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HISTORY 



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THE UNITED STATES, 

FROM THE 

DISCOVERY OF AMERICA 

TO THE 

INAUGURATION OF PRESIDENT LINCOLN. 

|0t tl]e ttse of Stkob. 



CAPITOL AT WASHINGTON. 




COMPILED FROM AUTHENTIC SOURCES 

By WILLIAM ROBERTS. 



-y^^ 



PIIILADELPIITA 



SOWER, BARNES &i\G0P'^'^ 



1862. 



•f /rAS><»^^ 



Entered, according to an Act of Congress, in the year 1861, by 

WILLIAM ROBERTS, 

in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Eastern 
District of Pennsylvania. 

MEARS & DUSENBERY, STEREOTYPERS. COLLINS, PRINTER. 









PREFACE 



The compiler of tlie following pages, during his long 
experience as a teaclier, often felt the necessity of a text- 
book which should give a correct and lucid exposition of 
American history. 

He found the youthful memory burdened with extra- 
neous matter, clogged with abstractions, and wearied with 
the petty details of colonial government. 

If " History is Philosophy teaching by example," it 
should appear to us in a pure and truthful garb, unsullied 
by party prejudice or sectarian bigotry. 

It should not be a vehicle of misrepresentation and cal- 
umny, nor a channel for unmerited detraction or fulsome 
praise. 

Contemporary writers of a nation's history too often 
impart to passing events the bias of their own minds, and, 
therefore, most historical records come to us tinted with 
the writer's aversions or partialities. 

The writer of a text-book of history intended for Ameri- 

(3) 



IV TREFACE. 

can youth, soon to become American citizens, cannot be toe 
careful in the selection of facts not distorted by faction or 
flattery. 

In the treatise now presented to the public, the compiler 
has striven to avoid the errors arising from sectarian or 
partisan statements, and to present the records of history 
drawn from the most reliable sources. 

He has devoted much time and labor in consulting the 
best authorities, and recorded nothing which is not sub- 
stantiated by standard historians. 

In this compilation he has ignored sect and party. Facts 
only are presented, and the mind of the youthful student 
left in freedom as to the principles and motives of the 
actors in this grand drama, who pass in review before him. 

This work is divided into sections, with numbered para- 
graphs. The first section gives a brief account of the early 
discoveries and attempted settlements. The next section 
embraces the history of the settlements of the seventeenth 
century, and the prominent events of the thirteen original 
colonies. This is followed by the French War, the American 
Revolution, the Confederation of States, the adoption of 
the Constitution, and the Federal Union ; with a succinct 
account of every Presidential Administration to the termi- 
nation of the year 1860. 

The events transpiring in our once happy country cannot 
now be written ; their issue is in futurity, and their order- 
ing in the hands of an all-wise and merciful Providence. 

Philadelphia, 18G1. 



CONTENTS 



DISCOVERIES OF THE FIFTEENTH AND SIXTEENTH 
CENTURIES. 

Discovery of America — Cabot's voyage — Cortereal — Juan Ponce 
de Leon — Discovery of Florida — VexTazani — Cartier — Ferdinand 
de Soto — Discovery of the Mississippi — Quebec — Attempted set- 
tlements in Florida — Gilbert's expedition — Raleigh's attempts 
to establish colonies ...... Page 13 

THE SETTLEMENTS OF THE SEVENTEENTH CENTURY. 

Gosnold's voyage — Cape Cod — The London Company — The Ply- 
mouth Company — Newport's voyage — Settlement of James- 
town — Captain John Smith — First Legislature — Slavery — Indian 
hostilities — Sir John Harvey — Freedom under Cromwell — 
Restoration of the monai-chy ^ 

Massachusetts. — Settlement on the Kennebec — Captain Smith 
names the country New England — Settlement of Plymouth — 
Salem — Colony of Massachusetts Bay — Roger Williams — Union 
of New England colonies — Indian war — Sir Edmund Andross 
governor — King William's war 27 

New York. — Henry Hudson's voyage — Settlement of Manhattan — 

New Netherlands — Algonquin war — Surrender to the English — 

New Yoi*k — Albany — Charter of Liberties — Imprisonment of 

Andross — Earl of Bellamont — Lord Cornbury . , . 81 

1* (5) 



VI CONTENTS. 

New Hampshire. — Settlement of Dover — Portsmouth — Exeter — 
Assembly at Portsmouth — Governor Cranfield — Samuel Allen 
governor ......... 34 

New Jersey. — Cape May — Fort Nassau — Bergen — Assignment to 
Berkeley and Carteret — Elizabethtown — Quit-rents demanded — 
Salem — Byllinge, proprietor — Sells West New Jersey to the 
Friends — Carteret proprietor of East New Jersey — Sells his share 
to William Penn and Friends — Union of the two Jerseys — Lord 
Cornbury governor — Lewis Morris governor of New Jersey 36 

Maryland. — Settlement on the Patuxent — Kent Island — Sir George 
Calvert — Settlement of St. Mary's — William Clayborne — Indian 
War — Philip Calvert — Character of Lord Baltimore — Annapolis 
the capital — Changes of government in Maryland . . 39 

Delaware. — Settlement at Cape Henlopen — Lewes — Massacre of 
the Dutch settlers — Swedish expedition — Purchase of land — 
Settlement at Christiana Creek — Tinicum— Fort Cassimir, on 
the site of New Castle — Surrender to the Dutch — Conquest of 
the Dutch — Delaware a dependency of New York — Conveyed to 
William Penn 42 

Connecticut. — Fort at Hartford — Earl of Warwick proprietor of 
the territory — Lord Say and Seal — Trading-house at Windsor — 
Windsor and Weathersfield — Rev. Thomas Hooker settles Hart- 
ford — Pequod war — Settlement of New Haven — Government of 
the colony — New charter from Charles II. — Fort at Saybrook — 
Charter demanded and concealed — Charter Oak — Governor 
Fletcher — Resolution of Captain Wadsworth ... 45 

Rhode Island. — Settlement at Providence — Portsmouth — New- 
port — Roger Williams obtains a charter ... 48 

North Carolina. — First settlement in North Carolina — Lord 
Clarendon's chartei' — Locke's Constitution — Culpepper's insur- 
rection — Sothel's government — John Archdale — Tuscarora In- 
dians make war ........ 60 



CONTENTS. VU 

South Carolina.— Settlement at Port Royal— Settlement on 
Ashley River— Charleston— Slavery— Colleton governor— Seth 
Sothel— Archdale's government— War with Florida— Siege of St. 
Augustine— Defeat of Indians— Yamasee war— Alliance with 
the Cherokees ^^ 

Pennsylvania.— Swedish settlements of Pennsylvania— Grant to 
William Penn— Landing of English settlers— Penn lands at 
New Castle-Landing in Philadelphia— The first Assembly— 
Penn's return to England— Colonel Fletcher governor— Penn' s 
return to Pennsylvania— New frame of government— Death of 
William Penn ^* 

Georgia.— General Oglethorpe-Savannah-European settlers- 
George Whitefield— Fort St. George built— War with Spam— 
Invasion of Georgia— Oglethorpe returns to England . 61 



COLONIAL HISTORY. 

From the Commencement of the Eighteenth Century to the 
End of the French War in 1763.— Queen Anne's war— King 
Georo-e's war— Washington's embassy— Fort Duquesne built— 
Battlt at the Great Meadows-Fort Necessity-Braddock's de- 
feat-Expedition against Nova Scotia-Fort Edward built- 
Battle at Lake George-Fort William Henry-Siege of Louis- 
bourg- Attack on Ticonderoga-Fort Frontenac- General 
Forbes sent against Duquesne-Siege of Oswego-Seizure of 
Ticonderoga and Crown Point-General Wolfe attacks Quebec- 
Montcalm defends the city-Defeat of the French-Death of 
Wolfe— Of Montcalm— Treaty of peace— France surrenders her 
possessions in America 

From the French War to the REVOLUTioN.-Pontiac's war— 
The colonies taxed-The Stamp Act-Troops sent to Boston- 
Boston Massacre-Duty on tea-Boston Port Bill-Meeting of 
a General Congress-General Gage military governor . 79 



CONTENTS. 



THE REVOLUTION. 



Battle of Lexington — Ethan Allen's expedition — Seizure of Ti- 
conderoga — Colonel Warner — Colonel Ai*nold — The Continental 
Congress — George "Washington commander-in-chief — Bunker 
Hill — Arnold's expedition to Canada — Montgomery captures 
Montreal — Battle of Quebec — Death of Montgomery — Lord 
Dunmore ......... 85 

Events of 1776. — The siege of Boston — American troops evacuate 
Canada — Attack on Charleston — Sullivan's Island — Declaration 
of Independence — General Howe lands on Staten Island — 
Battle of Long Island — White Plains — Capture of Fort AVash- 
ington — Fort Lee — Retreat through New Jersey — General Lee 
taken prisonei^ — Battle of Trenton .... 93 

Events of 1777. — Battle of Princeton — Burning of Danbury — 
Attack on Sag Harbor — General St. Clair abandons Ticonde- 
roga — Battle of Hubbardton — Oriskany — Siege of Fort Schuy- 
ler — Battle of Bennington — Battle of Brandywine — Massacre at 
Paoli — Capture of Philadelphia — Battle of Stillwater — Saratoga 
— Burgoyne's surrender — Battle of Germantown — Fort Mercer 
—Valley Forge 99 

Events op 1778. — British leave Philadelphia — Battle of Mon- 
mouth — General Lee — Siege of Newport — Massacre at Tappan — 
Wyoming — Expedition sent to invade Georgia — Capture of Sa- 
vannah — Winter quarters at Middlebrook . . ,108 

Events of 1779. — The war in South Carolina and Georgia — In 
Virginia — In Connecticut — Capture of Stony Point — The fort at 
Paulus Hook — General Sullivan's expedition against the In- 
dians — The squadron under Captain Paul Jones — French fleet 
under Count D'Estaing — Siege of the British at Savannah — 
Count Pulaski — Sergeant Jasper 112 

Events of 1780. — Winter quarters at Morristown — Siege of 



CONTENTS. IX 

Charleston — General Lincoln capitulates — Waxhaw — General 
Gates— Battle of Sanders' Creek— Death of De Kalb— Colonel 
Sumter — Tarleton — Treason of Arnold — Interview between him 
and Andrg — Arrest of the latter — Flight of Arnold — Death of 
Andre — Battle of King's Mountain — General Marion — Greene 
supersedes Gates — Great Britain at war with Holland, France, 
and Spain 116 

Events of 1781, and Close of the Revolution, — Pennsylvania 
troops demand redress — A* old invades Virginia — Capture of 
Richmond — General Greene at Charlotte, North Carolina — 
Battle of the Cowpens — Morgan's retreat — Battle of Guilford 
Court House — Hobkirk's Hill— Capture of Forts Watson, Motte, 
and Granby — Lord Cornwallis takes command in Virginia — 
Pursued by General La Fayette — Fortifies Yorktown — Arnold's 
invasion of Connecticut — Burning of New London — Battle of 
Eutaw Springs — French fleet in the Chesapeake — Siege of 
Yorktown — Surrender of Cornwallis — Washington at Newburg — 
Treaty of peace — New York evacuated — Washington resigns his 
commission ......... 125 



THE CONFEDERATION. 

Shay's Insurrection — Federal Convention — Adoption of the Con- 
stitution — The first election 135 



THE FEDERAL CONSTITUTION. 

Washington's Administration. — Meeting of Congress — Heads 
of departments — The public debt — District of Columbia — Har- 
mer's expedition against the Indians — Seat of government re- 
moved to Philadelphia — Vermont and Kentucky admitted — 
French Revolution — Proclamation of neutrality — Genet — St. 
Clair's defeat — General Wayne's success — Treaty with the In- 
dians — Jay's Treaty — Insurrection in Pennsylvania — Treaty 
with Spain — Algiers — Tennessee admitted — President's Fare- 
well Address 138 



X CONTENTS. 

John Adams' Administration. — Trouble with France — Prospect 
of war — Washington appointed commander-in-chief — Capture 
of a French frigate — Death of Washington — Removal of seat of 
government to Washington City — Treaty of peace with France — 
Mr. Jefferson elected President 146 

Thomas JErrERSON's Adbiinistration. — Tripoli declares war — 
Ohio admitted — Purchase of Louisiana — Loss of the frigate 
Philadelphia — Exploit of Decatur — Eaton's expedition against 
Tripoli — Treaty of peace — Seizure of American vessels by Eng- 
land and France — Burr's trial — Attack on the frigate Chesa- 
peake — "Orders in Council" — "Milan Decree" — Embargo — 
Mr. Madison elected President 149 

James Madison's Administration. — Frigate President and the 
Little Belt — Battle of Tippecanoe — Louisiana admitted — War 
declared against Great Britain — Hull's invasion of Canada — 
Surrender of Detroit — Battle on the Niagara — Naval battles — 
Essex and Alert — Constitution and Guerriere — Wasp and Frolic 
— United States and Macedonian — Battle of Frenchtown — Siege 
of Fort Meigs — Battle at York, Upper Canada — Sackett's Har- 
bor — War with the Creeks — Naval battles — Hornet and Peacock 
— Chesapeake and Shannon — Pei'ry's victory on Lake Erie — 
Argus and !|^lican — British squadron in Chesapeake Bay — 
Battle on the river Thames — Capture of Fort Erie — Battle of 
Chippewa — Lundy's Lane — Siege of Fort Erie — The Essex, 
Commodore ^rter, captured — Frolic captured by the Orpheus — 
Peacock and Epervier — The Wasp and Reindeer— Capture of 
Washington — Battle of Plattsburg — McDonough's victory on 
Lake Champlain — The Wasp and Reindeer — Wasp lost at sea — 
Attack on Baltimore — General Jackson seizes Pensacola — Battle 
of New Orleans— Hartford Convention — The frigate President 
captured — Treaty of peace — More naval engagements — War 
with Algiers — Treaty — Bank of the United States — Indiana 
admitted — Mr. Monroe elected 155 

James Monroe's Administration. — President's tour — Mississippi 
admitted — Seminole war — General Jackson captures towns in 



CONTENTS. XI 

Florida— Illinois, Alabama, Maine, and Missouri admitted- 
Florida ceded to the United States— Expedition against the 
pirates— Visit of General La Fayette— John Quincy Adams 
elected President ^'^ 

John Quincy Adams' Administration.— General La Fayette re- 
turns to France — Congress make an appropriation — Deaths of 
Adams and Jefferson— General Jackson elected President 184 

Andrew Jackson's Administration. — Death of James Monroe — 
Black Hawk's war — Cholera in the army — Treaties with the 
Indians — Nullification— "Compromise Bill" — Debt due by 
France remaining unpaid — Fears of a war — Amicable settle- 
ment— Seminole war— General Scott sent to Florida—" Specie 
Circular"— " Distribution Act"— Arkansas admitted— Death of 
James Madison— Michigan admitted— Martin Van Buren elected 
President 1^^ 

Martin Van Buren's Administration.— Seizure of Osceola— 
Battle of Lake Okeechobee— Insurrection in Canada— Proclama- 
tion of neutrality— General Harrison elected President 191 

Harrison's and Tyler's Administrations.— The President calls 
a meeting of Congress— Death of President Harrison— John 
Tyler President— Meeting of Congress— Settlement of the north- 
eastern boundary— Prospects of civil war in Rhode Island— 
"Suffrage Party"— "Law and Order Party"— Troops sent to 
preserve the peace— Bursting of the " Peacemaker"— Death of 
Mr. Upshur and Mr. Gilmore— Annexation of Texas— Admission 
of Florida 193 

James K. Polk's Administration.— General Taylor sent to Texas 
with an army — Death of General Jackson— Admission of Texas — 
Oregon — Boundary line — Iowa admitted — Mexican hostilities — 
Battles of Palo Alto and Kesaca de la Palma— General Taylor 
takes Matamoras — Monterey — Capture of California — New 
Mexico— General Scott captures Vera Cruz— Battle of Buena 
Vista— Battles of Cerro Gordo, Contreras, Churubusco, El Mo- 



Xll CONTENTS. 

linos del Rey, Chapultepec — Occupation of the city of Mexico — 
Treaty of peace — Transfer of California and New Mexico — 
Death of John Quincy Adams — Wisconsin admitted — General 
Taylor elected President . . . . . . 196 

Taylor's and Fillmore's Administrations. — Great emigration 
to California — Application to be admitted as a state — Compro- 
mise measures — Death of the President — Succeeded by Millard 
Fillmore — California admitted — Purchase of tracts of land — 
Kossuth — Death of Henry Clay — Daniel Webster — Mission to 
Japan — Franklin Pierce elected President . . . 208 

Franklin Pierce's Administration. — Mesilla Valley claimed by 
Mexico — Conveyed to the United States by treaty — Nebraska 
and Kansas — Repeal of the Missouri Compromise — Dismissal 
of Mr. Crampton and British consuls — Civil war in Kansas — 
James Buchanan elected President . . . . 211 

James Buchanan's Administration. — The Moi^mons refuse obe- 
dience to the laws of the United States — Troops sent to Utah — 
Salt Lake City — Troops withdrawn — The President recommends 
the admission of Kansas under the Lecompton Constitution — A 
bill passes both houses, but is rejected by the people — Minne- 
sota admitted — Oregon admitted — Visit of the Japanese am- 
bassadors — Visit of the Prince of Wales — Mr. Lincoln elected 
President — Secession of South Carolina — Major Anderson evacu- 
ates Fort Moultrie — Withdrawal to Fort Sumter — State troops 
take Fort Moultrie and Castle Pinckney — General Cass resigns — 
Messrs. Cobb, Floyd, and Thompson resign — The forts in 
Georgia, North Carolina, and Alabama seized by the secession- 
ists — Siege of Fort Sumter — Secession of five states — "Star of 
the West" — Kansas admitted — Peace Conference — Convention 
of seceding states — General Twiggs .... 213 



HISTORY 



THE UNITED STATES. 



DISCOVEKIES OF THE 15TH AND IGTH CENTURIES. 

1. The vast continents of North, and Soutli 
America were unknown to the civiHzed world 

previous to the year 1492. At that time the genius and 
persevering efforts of Christopher Columbus led the way to 
those great discoveries, which have resulted in the settle- 
ment of the United States, and other countries in the 
Western Hemisphere. 

2. The spirit of adventure was now awakened in. 
Europe, and numerous expeditions were sent out 

to make discoveries and form settlements. Among these, 
the voyage of the Cabots is most worthy of notice. In: 
1497, John Cabot embarked with his son Sebastian, from 
Bristol, England, and discovered the American Continent 
far to the north, in the dreary inhospitable regions of 
Labrador. A second voyage was made by Sebastian Cabot 
the next year, in which he explored the American 

1498. 

coast, landed at many places, and returned to 
2 (13) 



1-1 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

England. He sketclied maps of the places visited, and 
wrote an account of his adventures, all of which have been 
lost to posterity. 

3. The glory of the discovery of the Western Continent 
belongs to the Cabots. They reached the mainland four- 
teen months previously to the discovery by Columbus of the 
southern portion, and two years before Amerigo Yespucci 
made his voyage, and assumed honors to which he had no 
rightful claim. 

4. G-asper Cortereal was appointed commander of an 

expedition fitted out in Portugal, and, in 1501, 
sailed along the American coast for more than six 
hundred miles. He seized a number of the natives, carried 
them off, and sold them as slaves, but in a subsequent voyage 
fell a victim to his avarice and cruelty, being slain in a 
skirmish with the Indians. 

5. In the vear 1512, Juan Ponce de Leon 

1513. '' ' 

embarked at Porto Rico with a squadron of seven 
ships fitted out at his own expense, on a voyage of discovery. 
On Easter Sunday, called by the Spaniards Pascua Florida, 
land was seen and the country was named Florida, from the 
day on which it was discovered, and its blooming appearance. 

6. The Spaniards who had made preparations for 
a colony in the " Land of Flowers," were attacked 

by the Indians with the utmost fury, many were killed, 
the survivors compelled to flee to their ships, and Ponce 
himself, mortally wounded, returned to Cuba to die. 

7. The French government, anxious to make 
settlements in the New World, the coasts of which 

were frequented by the hardy fishermen of Normandy and 
Brittany, sent out John Verrazani, in a single caravel, on a 
voyage of discovery. He came on the coast in the latitude 
of Wilmingtouj sailed along the shores of North Carolina, 



1534. 



DISCOVERIES. 15 

New Jersey, and New York, remained for fifteen days in 
the harbor of NewiDort, and then explored the whole coast 
of New England to Nova Scotia. 

8. In 1534, James Cartier, with two ships, left 
the harbor of St. Malo in France, and in twenty 

days came to the island of Newfoundland. He then crossed 
the gulf, and entered a bay which he named Des Chaleurs. 
He then sailed along the coast, and, entering the inlet of 
Gaspe, he took possession in the name of the French king, 
by rearing a lofty cross, with a shield and the lilies of his 
native soil. Leaving this place, he sailed up the great 
river St. Lawrence for a considerable distance, and then 
returned, after a successful voyage, to St. Malo. 

9. The following year, Cartier, with three ships, 
set out on another voyage, and, passing to the west 

of Newfoundland and through the Gulf of St. Lawrence, 
north of Anacosti, he ascended the river as far as the island 
of Orleans. Here, Cartier, leaving his vessels safely moored, 
proceeded in a boat to the chief Indian settlement, which 
lay at the foot of a hill which he climbed. Pleased with 
the beauty of the surrounding prospect, he called this 
Mont Real, a name which has since extended to the most 
flourishing city of Canada East. They passed the winter in 
the St, Lawrence, and in the spring, after solemnly taking 
possession of the country, and declaring Francis to be its 
rightful king, they returned to St. Malo. 

10. Ferdinand de Soto, one of the companions 
of Pizarro in his conquest of Peru, planned an 

expedition for the conquest of Florida, and, obtaining the 
Spanish king's permission, embarked for that country. In 
two weeks he landed on the coast, and the march of the 
adventurers Began, attended v/ith great hardships to the 
invaders and cruelties to the natives. The following year 



13 



HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



154:0, 



tliey arrived at a town on tlie Alabama, called 
Mobile, which name is still retained. Here a 
bloody battle ensued, during which the town was burned 
and the Indians completely routed. 

11. De Soto now marched to the north, and wintered 
in the upper part of what is now the state of 
Mississippi. In the spring of 1511 the march 
was resumed, and, after suffering from fire, want of food, 
and hostility of the natives, the Spaniards came to the 
great river, often called the " Father of Waters." 



1541. 




DISCOVERY OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER. 



12 A plan being now formed in France for a settlement 
in America, Cartier again set sail for the St. Lawrence. 
Near the site of Quebec he built a fort, where his company 
passed the winter, sullen, unhappy, and dejected. 
In June, 1542, the expedition returned to France, 
and, for the next fifty years, no further discoveries were 
attempted by a nation v/hich had become involved in the 
horrors of civil war and intestine feud. 



DISCOVERIES. 17 

13. The Spaniards under De Soto still marched west- 
wardly in search of gold, but finding none, they retraced 
their blood-stained track to the Mississippi, where their 
distinguished leader died. His body was wrapped in a 
mantle, and at midnight sunk in tlie depths of the river, at 
once the fruit of his researches and his sepulchre. 

14. The Spaniards made some feeble attempts 
to form settlements in Florida, by sending mis- 
sionaries to convert the natives to Christianity. But the 
rude tribes they sought to convert had sufiered so much 
from the cruelty of the Spaniards, that tbey regarded as 
enemies the priests who sought an interview with them, 
and the peaceful missionaries became the victims of their 
fury. Florida was now abandoned, for it seemed fatal to 
all who approached its shores. The troubles in France, 
and the persecutions of the Huguenots, induced Admiral 
Coligny to seek a refuge for men whose lives were en- 
dangered at liome. 

15. x\n expedition fitted out under the command 
of John Ribault, a brave man, of great maritime 

experience, sailed for the American shores. After exploring 
the coast, they came to Port Royal entrance, where Ribault 
determined to plant his colony. Fort Charles or Carolina 
gave name to the country before its occupation by the 
English. In consequence of civil war in France, no aid 
was sent to the infant colony ; dissensions prevailed, and 
the commandant lost his life in a mutiny. Under the 
guidance of a new commander, they embarked for their 
native land in a rude vessel of their own construction. 
After sulfering from the horrors of femine, they were rescued 
by an English vessel and taken to the coast of France. 

16. In 1564, another expedition under Laudon- 
niere was fitted out, and settled on the banks of the 



18 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

river May (now St. John's). The following year Ribault 
arrived with supplies, and an additional number of 
emigrants, and there seemed to be a prospect of the 
continuance of the colony. But Spain had never relin- 
quished her claim, and it was resolved to contest the right 
of France, and to root out her colonies. An expedition, 
fitted out under Don Pedro Meiendez, discovered a fine 
haven, which was named St. Augustine. Here Meiendez 
landed, took possession of the continent in the name of the 
Spanish king, and laid the foundation of the town, which 
is the oldest settlement in the United States. 

17. By a furious assault he captured the French fort, 
and massacred the inmates without regard to age or sex. 
The French government took no measures to avenge their 
slaughtered colonists. But Dominic de Gourges, a man 
of wealth, fitted out an expedition at his own expense, 
embarked for Florida, captured the Spanish fort, and 
hanged the garrison, whom he designated " Traitors, 
robbers, and murderers." But being too weak to retain 
possession of the country, he embarked for France, and 
Spain still claimed Florida, and all the country bounded by 
the Gulf of Mexico. 

18. No attempts to form settlements in America were 
successful for many years after the failure of Coligny. In 
the reign of Elizabeth of England, Sir Humphrey Gilbert 
formed plans for colonization. Having obtained a liberal 

patent from the queen, he equipped a squadron, 
and sailed for Newfoundland. Having entered 
the harbor of St. John's, he took possession in the name 
of his sovereign. He sailed thence on further discoveries, 
when his largest ship was wrecked, and it became necessary 
for him to return to England. On the homeward voyage 
his fleet encountered severe storms, and the little frigate, 



DISCOVERIES. 19 

with the admiral, disappeared in the darkness of the night, 
and all on board perished. 

19. The ill success of this expedition did not discourage 
Sir Walter Raleigh, the step-brother of Gilbert, and 
he resolved to renew the enterprise. Obtaining a 
patent from the queen, he sent out two vessels, under the 
command of Philip Amidas and Arthur Barlow. They 
explored the coasts of Albemarle and Pamlico Sounds, 
landed on Uoanoke Island, and after a short stay returned 
to England. The queen was so much pleased with the 
description of the voyage, that she named the country 
Virginia, in token of its discovery during the reign of a 
virgin queen. 

20. An expedition was now fitted out, composed 
of seven vessels, and one hundred colonists. Ralph 

Lane went out as governor of the infant colony, and Sir 
Richard Grenville had command of the fleet. The settle- 
ment was made on the island of Roanoke, which possessed 
a fine soil, and fertile climate, but disagreement with the 
natives, and longings for home, led to a precipitate deser- 
tion, and Lane and his surviving associates were taken to 
England by Sir Francis Drake, in the year follow- 
ing. Two weeks afterwards. Sir Richard Grenville 
arrived with additions to the colony, and supphes for the 
settlers, and left fifteen men to retain possession. 

21. Raleigh now sent out another colony, emi- 

15 8T» 

grants with their wives and families, and appointed 
John White governor. All whom Grenville left had 
perished, and the fort was in ruins. The governor was 
urged to return to England for reinforcements and supplies. 
On his arrival, he found the country at war with Spain, 
and alarmed with a threatened invasion. The poor colo- 
nists were neglected until too late. When Governor White 



20 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

returned, no trace of them could be found, and their fate 
has never been known. 

Questions on the discoveries of the Ibth and IQth centuries. — 1. Who 
was the discoverer of America, and in what year ? 

2. Describe the voyage of John Cabot. Of Sebastian Cabot. 

3. AVho were the actual discoverers of the American continent ? 

4. What is said of the voyage of Cortereal ? What wrong did 
he commit ? What was his fate ? 

5. What country was discovered by Juan Ponce de Leon, and 
in what year ? Why was it named Florida ? 

G. What prevented the Spaniards making a settlement ? What 
is said of their leader ? 

7. By^whom were the coasts of the New W^orld often visited? 
Wniom did the French government send to make discoveries ? 
Describe the voyage of Verrazani, and name the places visited by 
him. 

8. From what port did Cartier sail, and what island did he 
arrive at? What gulf did he cross, and what bay did he name? 
Into what inlet cHd he enter ? Plow did he take possession of the 
country ? Up what river did he sail ? 

9. Describe Cartier's second voyage. Where did he leave his 
vessels, and where did he proceed in a boat ? What did he name 
the mountain ? Where did the crews pass the winter, and in 
whose name did they take possession of the country ? 

10. What plan was formed by Ferdinand de Soto ? What at- 
tended the course of the adventurers ? At what town did they 
arrive in 1540 ? What took place ? 

11. What did de Soto now. do? What discovery did de Soto's 
company make in 1541 ? What is the river they discovered fre- 
quently called ? 

12. What did Cartier do in his third voyage ? Where did his 
company pass the winter ? When did the expedition return to 
France? Why did the French discontinue their expeditions to 
America ? 

13. What did the Spaniards under de Soto search for? Why 
did they retrace their steps ? When did their leader die, and 
what was done with his body ? 



DISCOVERIES. 21 

14.. Who were sent by the Spaniards to form settlements in 
Florida? How were they treated by the natives? Why were 
they so treated ? What led to French settlements in America ? 
Who projected these settlements ? 

15. Who commanded the expedition, and at what place did they 
arrive ? What gave name to the country ? What took place in 
the infant colony ? By whom were the survivors rescued ? 

16. Who commanded the expedition fitted out in 1564? Where 
was the settlement made ? What accession was made to the settle- 
ment the year following ? Who claimed the country ? Describe 
the expedition of Melendez. What town was founded by him ? 

17. How did Melendez treat the settlers? Did the French 
government avenge their death ? Who fitted out an expedition 
against the Spaniards ? What did he do to the garrison ? What 
did Spain claim ? 

18. From whom did Sir Humphrey Gilbert obtain a patent? 
Where did he land ? What took place on his homeward voyage ? 

19. What did Sir Walter Raleigh do? Who commanded the 
expedition ? Where did they land ? What name was given to 
the country by the queen, and why ? 

20. What attempt was made to establish a colony ? Why was 
the settlement deserted ? By whom were the survivors taken to 
England ? Who arrived with supplies, and how many men did he 
leave to retain possession ? 

21. Who constituted the colony sent out in 1587 ? Who was 
appointed governor ? What was the condition of the fort and 
settlers left by Grenville? AVhy did Governor White return to 
England ? Why were not supplies sent ? When White returned 
did he find the colonists ? What became of them ? 



22 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



THE SETTLEMENTS OF THE SEVENTEENTH CENTURY. 

1 . From tlie discovery of tlie American continent in 1497 
by the Cabots, no permanent settlement was established. 
In the beginning of the seventeenth century, Bar- 
tholomew Gosnold sailed in a small bark from 
England, almost in a direct course across the Atlantic. 
He came to a promontory, which he named Cape Cod. 
" Here he and four of his men landed ; and this was the 
first spot in New England ever trod by Englishmen.'"^ 
Leaving this cape, they sailed along the coast, and entered 
Buzzard's Bay. Here on a small island they built a store- 
house and fort, and laid the foundation of a colony, which 
was soon after abandoned. f 

2. The time had now arrived when it was deter- 
mined to establish colonies which should be perma- 
nent. Men of travel and observation urged King James to 
make the necessary grants, to confer certain privileges, and 
give encouragement to emigration. Two companies were 
formed ; the first composed of men of wealth in London, 
and the other of a similar character in the west of England. 
The London company had the right to occupy the regions 
from thirty-four to thirty-eight degrees of north latitude, 
and the western or Plymouth company from forty-one to 
forty-five degrees. 

3. On the 19th of December, a little squadron of three 



* Bancroft's History of the United States, Vol. I., p. 112. 

f A French settlement was made in 1605 in Nova Scotia, and 
called Port Royal, now Annapolis, and in 1608 the foundation 
of Quebec was laid, and occupied as a French colony, the country 
from Delaware Bay to the Gulf of St. Lawrence being claimed by 
the French and named Acadia. 



SETTLEMENTS. 23 

vessels, carrying one hundred and five men, commanded by 
Captain Newport, set sail for Virginia. After a long voyage, 
the fleet came to an anchor in Chesapeake Bay. 
1®®^- rpj^g headlands were named Cape Charles and Cape 
Henry, from the king's sons, and a large river which they 
entered was named in honor of the king himself. The site 
fixed on for a settlement was named Jamestown. 

4. The first settlers of Virginia suffered great hardships. 
They were generally idle and improvident, enfeebled by 
divisions, and surrounded by hostile savages. Fifty perished 
before autumn. Their efficient leader. Captain John Smith, 
had been captured by the Indians, and was now a prisoner. 
His life was saved by the intercession of Pocahontas, 
daughter of the Indian king, and he was soon after libe- 
rated. On his return to Jamestown, he found the 
colony reduced to forty men, some of whom were 
planning their escape from the settlement. 

5. During the two succeeding years, a number of new 
settlers were added to the colony, and Jamestown assumed 
the appearance of a town of civilized inhabitants. Smith 
asserted his authority, maintained order, and promoted 
industry, until an accidental explosion of gunpowder dis- 
abled him, and he was compelled, in consequence of his 
injuries, to return to England. The most unhappy 
consequences followed. Hostility on the part of 
the Indians, and famine, reduced the settlers to great dis- 
tress, and they were on the point of deserting the colony, 
when Lord Delaware came with emigrants and supplies, 
and prevented their departure. 

6. . The government of the colony was adminis- 
tered on the basis of martial law until 1619, when 
a legislative assembly was convened at Jamestown. The 
following year slavery was introduced into the colony, by 



24 



HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



1630. 



the purchase of twenty Africans brought by a Dutch 
vessel. 

7. But the colonists had no domestic ties to bind 
them to the soil. They were men who regarded 
Virginia but a temporary abode, and looked forward to the 
time when they should return to England. Few women 
had ventured to cross the Atlantic. But now the company 
sent over ninety females, young and of good character, who 
were married to the planters, all the costs of their passage 
across the ocean being defrayed by their husbands. 




PLANTERS OBTAINING -WIVES. 



8. Powhatan had been friendly with the colonists from 
his daughter's marriage. But after his death, in 1618, the 
Indians became jealous of their increase, and preconcerted 
measures to destroy them. They prepared for the attack 
with great treachery, pretending up to the. last hour the 
utmost friendship for those whose deaths they were plot- 
ting. At length, at mid-day, they fell on their unsus- 
pecting victims. 



1639. 



SETTLEMENTS. 25 

9. Tlie Enc^lish would have been all destroyed 

1633. , . 

had not a friendly Indian revealed the existence 
of the conspiracy, so that Jamestown and the neighboring 
settlements were guarded against an attack. The settle- 
ments on the outskirts of the colony were entirely destroyed, 
and the colony received a check from which it took years 
to recover. 

10. The London company had given offence to King 
James, which led to its dissolution, and Virginia became a 
royal province. From this time governors were appointed 
by the king. Some of these royal governors ruled without 
regard to popular right. One of them. Sir John Harvey, 

was deposed by the council, and sent to England. 

The king refused to listen to the charges against 
him, and he was reinstated. 

11. In 1644, another Indian war broke out, and 

the frontier settlements were laid waste. This 
outbreak was followed by a war, which terminated by the 
Indians ceding their lands to the colonists. During Crom- 
well's administration, Virginia enjoyed the utmost freedom 
The people elected their own governors, and had an amount 
of liberty which was not interfered with during the exist- 
ence of the Commonwealth. 

12. On the restoration of the monarchy, the rights of the 
people and the freedom of commerce were disregarded. 
Oppressive laws were enacted, and the struggle commenced 
between the upholders of arbitrary power, ending only with 
the Ptevolution, which placed all power in the hands of the 
people. 



Questions on (ke Settlements of the 17th century. — 1. What did 
Gosnold discover and name ? What is said of his landing ? Give 
an account of his further proceedings. 
3 



26 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

2. What companies were formed ? What right was conferred 
on the London company ? On the Western company ? 

3. Who commanded the squadron sent out, and how many colo- 
nists were there ? Where did they anchor ? What were the capes 
named, and why ? What river did they name ? What did they 
name their settlement ? 

4. What was the character of the settlers ? How many died in 
four months ? Where was Captain Smith ? By whose intercession 
was Ids life spared ? 

5. What took place during the next two years ? What did 
Smith maintain, and promote ? Why did he return to England ? 
What consequences ensued on Smith's departure ? Who arrived 
with supplies ? 

6. How was the government administered ? When and where 
was a legislative assembly convened? How was slavery intro- 
duced, and when ? 

7. How did the colonists of Virginia obtain wives ? 

8. How long did the Indians remain on friendly terms with the 
settlers ? In what manner did they prepare for an attack ? Were 
the English taken by surprise ? 

9. What prevented the total destruction of the English ? What 
colonies were saved ? Which destroyed ? 

10. What led to the dissolution of the London company ? What 
did Virginia become ? How were governors appointed ? How 
did they govern ? What is said of Sir John Harvey ? 

11. What war broke out in 1644, and how did it terminate? 
What did the people enjoy and possess during the existence of the 
Commonwealth ? How were the governors chosen ? 

12. What took place on the restoration of the monarchy ? 



1606. 



SETTLEMENT OF MASSACHUSETTS. 27 

SETTLEMENT OF MASSACHUSETTS. 

1. The Plymoutli company, to whom North Yir- 
ginia had been allotted, were unsuccessful in their 

first efforts, and a ship sent out by them was captured by 
the Spaniards. The next year two ships sailed for 
America, bearing emigrants to a plantation under 
the presidency of George Popham. They landed near the 
mouth of the Kennebec, and commenced their settlement. 
A dreary winter and several disasters discouraged the colo- 
nists, and the following year they returned to England. 

2. In 1614, Captain John Smith examined the 

1614:. ' ^ 

coast from Penobscot to Cape Cod, and named the 
country New England. He next endeavored to establish a 
colony, but was unsuccessful. His vessel was taken by 
French pirates, from whom he escaped in an open boat, and 
arrived safely in England. 

For several years no attempt was made by the Plymouth 
company to form settlements, and the first permanent colony 
in New England was made by the Puritans, a class of men 
who, despairing of religious liberty in England, had emi- 
grated to Holland, where they lived several years in exile. 
The wilds of America offered them an asylum, and, having 
returned to England to make arrangements for their voyage, 
the first colonists departed in a vessel called the Mayflower. 

The first settlement was made on the 21st of December, 
1620, and was named Plymouth. The colonists 

1630 

suffered from cold, sickness, and w^ant of food, but 
they were not molested by the Indians. Massasoit, the 
chieftain of the nearest tribe, made a treaty with them, 
which was kept unbroken for more than half a century. 

3. In 1628 a settlement was made at Salem by 

163 8. , , . '^ 

a number of emigrants led by John Endicott. 



28 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

The towns of Boston and Charlestown were founded soon 
after tlieir arrival, and the colony was incorporated under 
the title of the '' Governor and Company of .Massachusetts 
Bay in New England." The early settlers endured many 
hardships, but they bore their numerous afflictions cheer- 
fully, rejoicing in their freedom, and their enjoyment of 
religious liberty. 

4. Althou2;h the Puritans claimed freedom for 

'1635a 

themselves in matters of religion, they were unwil- 
lino; to extend it to others whose faith differed from their 
own. Roger Williams, a young and zealous minister, 
differed from his brethren on this point. He held the 
doctrine that the civil magistrate should restrain crime, 
but never control opinion ; should punish guilt, but never 
violate the freedom of the soul. This doctrine was opposed, 
and Williams was banished from the colony. Much trouble 
was caused by the opposition to the opinions of the 
clergy made by Mrs. Ann Hutchinson. She was 
upheld by Governor Vane and Rev. John Wheelwright, 
and with the latter was compelled to leave the colony. 

5. In 1643 the famous union of the New Eno:land 

164:3 

colonies was established. This confederation was 
entered into for mutual protection and security, and com- 
prised the colonies of Massachusetts, Connecticut, Plymouth, 
and New Haven. 

In 1675, a war broke out with the Indians, and 

1675. 

raged with great fury. Philip, the sachem of the 
Wampanoags, was a powerful and vindictive enemy, and for 
a full year the colony was kept in a state of terror and 
excitement. Troops from Plymouth and Massachusetts 
marched against the Indians, and Philip was driven from 
Mount Hope, and became a fugitive among the interior 
tribes of Massachusetts. 



SETTLEMENT OF MASSACHUSETTS. 29 

6. The Narragansetts having aided Philip, the 
Enghsh made war upon them, and troops were 

sent into their country, who destroyed their strongholds 
and burnt their wigwams. Finally the Indians were sub- 
dued, and Philip's wife and son were made prisoners. 
Heart-broken, and ready to die, he was shot by a faithless 
Indian, and his captive son sold as a slave. Thus ended 
King Philip's War, which proved fatal to the Narragansetts, 
and to the powerful tribe of which he was the chieftain. 

7. The Acts of Navigation were considered an 
invasion of the rights of the colonies, and were 

resisted by the people of Massachusetts. This produced 

embittered feelings on both sides, and resulted in the 

forfeiture of the charter, which had been long 

1684:. ... 

cherished with jealous watchfulness. The follow- 
ing year, James II. became king, and Sir Edmund 

1685. => -^ ' ^ Ci' 

Andross was appointed governor of all New Eng- 
land. He was authorized to appoint members of 

1686. ... ^^ 

his council, and, with their consent, make laws 
and lay taxes. These laws were of the most oppressive 
character, and the colonists were in a condition little infe- 
rior to absolute slavery. 

8. But the revolution, which drove King James 

1688. . . * 

from his throne, restored liberty to the colonies, 
and Andross was seized and imprisoned. A new charter 
was granted by King William, greatly enlarging the terri- 
tory of Massachusetts. By the old charter, the freemen of 
the colony elected their governor annually ; by the new 
charter, he was appointed by the king : so that he was no 
longer the representative of the people, but a royal agent. 

9. During King William's War, the colonists 

1693. . . 

suffered greatly from the incursions of the Indians, 
who were instigated in their hostilities by the Canadians. 
3* 



30 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

Several expeditions had been planned by the colonists, 
which were generally unsuccessful. The only thing worthy 
of note was the capture of Port Royal and the subjugation 
of Acadia. But the peace of Ryswick caused for 
a time a suspension of hostilities, destined, however, 
soon to be renewed, in consequence of the conflicting claims 
of France and England, to which we shall again revert in 
the progress of this history. 

Questions on the Settlement of Massachusetts. — 1. Wliat is said of 
the first attempt of the Plymouth company to form a settlement ? 
Give an account of the settlement on the Kennebec. 

2. What service was performed by Captain Smith in 1614? 
What did he name the country ? Did Captain Smith or the 
Plymouth company establish colonies? By whom was the first 
permanent settlement made? When and where was it established ? 
What is said of the Indians ? Of Massasoit ? 

3. When and by whom was a settlement made at Salem ? What 
towns were founded soon after? What was the title of the colony ? 

4. What doctrine was held by Roger Williams? Why was 
Roger Williams banished ? Who opposed the opinions of the 
clergy ? By whom was she upheld ? What were Mr. Wheelwright 
and she compelled to do ? 

5. What colonies united in a league in 1643 ? What is said of 
Philip ? What troops marched against the Indians ? 

6. On what tribe did the English make war? What became 
of Philip ? To whom did this war prove fatal ? 

7. How were the Acts of Navigation considered by the people ? 
In what did their opposition result? Who became king in 1685? 
Who was appointed governor ? What was he authorized to do ? 
What was the character of his laws ? 

8. What became of Andross in the revolution which drove King 
James from his throne? Who granted a new charter? Who 
appointed the governor by the new charter? How was he 
appointed under the old charter ? 

9. By whom were the Indians instigated to make war on the 
colonists ? What place was captured and what country subj ugated ? 



SETTLEMENT OF NEW YORK. 31 

SETTLEMENT OF NEW YORK. 

1. While the London and the Plymouth companies were 
laying the foundations of empire in the Western World, the 
Dutch were not idle. A powerful corporation, the Dutch 
East India Company, employed Henry Hudson, an enter- 

prisino* navisrator, to make discoveries. In 1609, 

1609. i- ~ '^ ' ^ ' 

he sailed up the river which now bears his name, 
in consequence of which the Dutch claimed the territory. 

2. The year succeeding this discovery, several merchants 
of Amsterdam fitted out a ship with merchandise, to trafiic 

with the natives. In 1613, there were three or 
four rude hovels on the island of Manhattan, and 
this was the commencement of that great city which now 
counts its inhabitants by hundreds of thousands. The 
following year a rude fort was erected on the 
southern point of the island. In 1615 a settle- 
ment was commenced on an island just below the present 
city of Albany. 

3. The country from the Delaware, or South* 

River, to Cape Cod, was called New Netherlands, 

and the settlement of Manhattan now began to rise into 

some degree of importance. But the colony did 

164:3. ,^, ^ . mi • 1 . . 

not enjoy uninterrupted prosperity. Their limits 
were narrowed on the east by the English, and by the 
Swedes on the south, and they were on the brink of ruin 
from a desolating war carried on for more than two years 
by the AlgonquiDS. At last a solemn treaty was 
agreed upon, to the great joy of the settlers. 
Manhattan now began its career of prosperity, and afibrded 
to the persecuted of every sect a city of refuge. 

* So called by the Dutch settlers. 



O-J HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

4. But the Eno;lisli became too powerful to be 

1G50. . * ^ , . 

resisted. The Dutch were compelled to relinquish 

their claims to the territory of Connecticut, and half of 

Loug: Island. A few years later, an Eno;lish 

1664:. ^ , "^^ ' . * 

squadron, under the direction of Colonel Kichard 
NichoUs, approached the town, and demanded an acknow- 
ledgment of English sovereignty, promising the inhabitants 
security in life, liberty, and property. Resistance was 
useless, and New Netherlands became an English province. 
Manhattan was now known as New York, and Fort Orange 
was called Albany. 

5. In the next war between England and Hol- 
land, a small Dutch squadron approached New 

>York, and the city at once surrendered, without opposition. 

After a military occupation of fifteen months, the territory 

was transferred to England, and the Duke of York resumed 

possession. Sir Edmund Andross now assumed 

1676. ^ 

the government, and ruled with despotic sway. 

He discouraged popular assemblies, and levied taxes without 

consent of the people. The duke, in consequence of the 
representations made to him by William Penn, 
sent instructions to the governor to convoke a 

legislature. This assembly met in 1683^ and established 

the " Charter of Liberties." 

6. King James II., on his accession to the 

1683. ^ ' 

throne, refused to continue the concessions he 
had previously granted while Duke of York. Andross 
continued his oppressive rule in New York until the revo- 
lution in England, which drove James from his 

1 A S S 

throne, divested this petty tyrant of his delegated 
power, and sent him, a prisoner, to England. 

7. The peace of the colony was endangered by the hostile 
incursions of the French and their Indian allies, during 



SETTLEMENT OF NEW YORK. 33 

Kins: William's War, wliicli commenced in 1689, 

1689. . . 

and continued until the peace of Ryswick, in 
1697. From this time to the Revolution, New 
York was a provincial government, under governors 
appointed by the English government. Among those most 
worthy of note, we find the Earl of Bellamont, an Irish 
peer, who had a kind heart, and sympathized with the 
efi"orts for popular freedom. His administration was the 
era of harmony and kind feeling. 

8. He was succeeded by the infamous Lord Cornbury, 
who endeavored to rule without regard to popular right or 
religious toleration. But all his attempts, as well as those 
of his successors who disregarded the just principles of 
government, were promptly met by the legislative assembly, 
who were ever watchful in resisting the encroachments 
of tyranny. 

Questions on the Settlement of New YorJc. — 1, By wliom was Henry 
Hudson employed to make discoveries ? What river did lie dis- 
cover and name ? Why did the Dutch claim the territory on the 
Hudson River ? 

2. What was the extent of the settlement on Manhattan Island 
in 1613? What great city occupies the same island? What 
settlement was made in 1615? 

3. What was the extent of the New Netherlands? Who en- 
croached on their territory? With whom were they at war? 
What is said of Manhattan ? 

4. What were the Dutch compelled to relinquish ? When did 
New Netherlands become an English province ? What was Man- 
hattan now called ? Fort Orange ? 

5. Did New York again fall into the hands of the Dutch? 
What nations were at war? How long was it retained? To 
whom was the territory then transferred ? Who took possession, 
and who was governor ? How did he rule ? When was a legisla- 
ture convoked ? What did they establish ? 



34 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

6. What did King James refuse to do on his accession to the 
throne ? What became of Andross after King James was di'iven 
from the throne ? 

7. How long did King William's War continue ? Who invaded 
the colony during that war ? What is said of Lord Bellamont's 
administration ? 

8. By whom was he succeeded ? How did Lord Cornbury 
endeavor to rule ? Against what were the legislative assembly 
watchful ? 



SETTLEMENT OF NEW HAMPSHIRE. 

1. Tlie country now constituting the state of New Hamp- 
shire was granted to Sir Ferdinand Gorges and John Mason, 

members of the Plymouth company, and in 1623 a 
company of English merchants established perma- 
nent settlements on the Piscataqua River. Dover and 
Portsmouth are the oldest towns in the state. These, for 
several years, were unimportant fishing stations. 

2. The Rev. Mr. Wheelwright, who had been banished 
from Massachusetts for favoring the religious opinions of 

Ann Hutchinson, went to the head waters of the 

1637. 

Piscataqua, and founded the town of Exeter, a 
little republic in the " vast wilderness," organized with a 
recognition of the principles of natural justice and religious 
toleration. 

3. In the history of Massachusetts we learned that New 

Hampshire was annexed to Massachusetts in 1641. 

1641. ^ 

But the people not being Puritans, a different code 
of laws was adopted for their government, and the freemen 
of New Hampshire were not required to be church members. 
In 1679, New Hampshire was separated from Massachusetts, 
and became a royal province. The next year a general 



SETTLEMENT OF NEW HAMPSHIRE. 35 

assembly was convened at Portsmoutli, and asserted its 

rights by a solemn decree, which was totally disregarded by 

the Ensrlish government. Edward Cranfield, an 
1680. . . ^ . , .' 

avaricious and tyrannical man, was appointed 

governor. His whole administration is distinguished by 
efforts to extort money from the people which their repre- 
sentatives refused to grant, and the sturdy yeomanry resisted 
all attempts to collect the illegal taxes which the governor 
had levied. 

4. In 1690, the inhabitants, in convention, 

1690. ' , , ' ' 

resolved to unite with Massachusetts, but the 
English government refused to grant any charter to New 
Hampshire. Samuel Allen, of London, purchased Mason's 
claims to the soil, and received the royal commission to act 
as governor. 

5. From this time, for a quarter of a century, the civil 
history of the colony is nothing but a series of lawsuits 

about land. Complaints were made against the 
governors, till New Hampshire and Massachusetts 
were both placed under the government of Bellamont, of 
New York. Finally, the yeomanry of the province gained 
quiet possession of the lands which their labor had redeemed 
from the wilderness. 

6. The colony suffered greatly from Indian depredations. 
During King William's War, Dover was sacked and burned, 
and many of the inhabitants were killed or carried as 
captives to Canada. 

Questions on the Settlement of Hew Hampshire. — 1. To whom was 
New Hampshire granted ? What settlements were first estab- 
lished ? In what year ? Which are the oldest towns in the state ? 

2. Why had Rev, Mr, Wheelwright been banished from Massa- 
chusetts ? What town did he found? What principles did he 
recognise ? 



36 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

3. When was New Hampshire annexed to Massachusetts ? Why 
was a different code of laws adopted for their government ? When 
was New Hampshire separated from Massachusetts, and what did 
it become ? What did the assembly which met at Portsmouth 
assert ? Who was appointed governor ? What did he make efforts 
to do, and how was he met ? 

4. What did the inhabitants resolve to do in 1690? What was 
refused by the English government ? 

5. Under what governor was New Hampshire placed in 1G99 ? 

6. From what did the colony suffer ? What town was burned ? 



SETTLEMENT OF NEW JERSEY. 

1. The Dutch, who occupied New York, claimed also 
the territory between the Hudson, or North River, to the 
Delaware, or South River, including the present state of 
New Jersey. These dominions were called by them New 

Netherlands. The southern cape of New Jersey 

1633. . . ^ "^ 

was visited by Cornelius May, who named this 
point of land, and, ;iscending the river, built Fort Nassau, 
on Big Timber Creek, six miles south of Camden. 

2. The settlement of the eastern part of this state is 
involved in some obscurity. There seems to have been a 
trading station at Bergen as early as 1618, established by 

the Dutch. In 1651, Augustine Herman pur- 
chased the land from Newark Bay to the west of 
Elizabethtown, and in 1658 other purchasers ob- 

X658* 

tained the large grant called Bergen, and the 
early station became a permanent settlement. 

3. The Duke of York had, a short time previously 

to the conquest of the New Netherlands, assigned 
to Lord Berkley and Sir George Carteret the land between 
the Hudson and Delaware. In honor of Carteret, who had 



SETTLEMENT OF NEW JERSEY. 37 

been governor of the island of Jersey, the province was 
called New Jersey, and the capital, beins; a cluster 

1665. *" r 7 o 

of four houses, was named Elizabethtown, in honor 
of Lady Carteret. Philip Carteret, brother of the proprietor, 
was appointed governor. 

4, The province increased in numbers, and nothing 
disturbed its prosperity till 1670, when payment 
of quit-rents on the settlers' lands was demanded. 
This they resisted, asserting that, as they had bought their 
lands of the Indians, no payment of rent was justly due. 
While these difficulties were pending, the disaffected colo- 
nists sent deputies to an assembly which was 
held at Elizabethtown. That body displaced the 
governor, and appointed a young and frivolous man, his 
nephew, James Carteret, to succeed him. Philip Carteret 
hastened to England, and the colonists remained in undis- 
turbed possession of their farms.* 

5. In 1674, Berkley and Carteret were reinstated 

1674. . . n ^ ' 

in possession of their province, but Lord Berkley, 
dissatisfied with his share, sold it for a thousand pounds to 
John Fenwick, in trust for Edward Byllinge. The next 
year, Fenwick, with a large company, set sail for the newly- 
purchased lands. Ascending the Delaware River, 
he landed on a pleasant, fertile spot, which he 
named Salem. But Byllinge was in embarrassed circum- 
stances, and could not retain his share of the province. 
It was accordingly sold to the Friends, or Quakers, 

1676. . . ? ^ ? 

who wished to establish a government where all 
men should be free from oppression. 

6. This portion was called West New Jersey, 
and the part retained by Carteret, East New 

* Bancroft's History of the United States, Vol. II., p. 319. 
4 



38 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

Jersey. In 1682, William Penn, with eleven 

1683. . 

other Friends, purchased East New Jersey of the 
trustees of Carteret, and appointed Robert Barclay governor. 
In consequence of persecution in Scotland, large 
numbers of Presbyterians emigrated to East Jersey. 
7. In 1688, the proprietaries both of East and 
West Jersey surrendered their claims to govern- 
ment, and the province was ruled for a short time by the 
tyrannical Andross. At the Revolution, the sovereignty 
merged in the crown, and for three years East New Jersey 
had no government whatever, while in West New Jersey 
the authority of the deputy governor was rejected by the 
people. Finally, the proprietors resigned all their' 
claims, and the two Jerseys became united, and 
thenceforth became a royal province, the first governor 
being Edward Hyde, Lord Cornbury. But finally. New 
Jersey obtained a governor appointed by the king, 
and whose administration was entirely distinct from 
the adjoining province of New York. Lewis Morris was 
the first governor so appointed. 

Questions on the Settlement of New Jersey. — 1. Who claimed New 
New Jersey? By whom was the southern cape of New Jersey 
visited ? Where did he build Fort Nassau ? I^ what year ? 

2. In what year was there a trading station at Bergen ? By 
whom was Bergen settled, and in what year ? 

3. To whom did the Duke of York convey the territory between 
the Hudson and Delaware ? Why was it called New Jersey ? 
What was the capital, and whence did it derive its name ? Who 
was governor ? 

4. Why did the people refuse quit-rents on their lands ? 

5. To whom did Lord Berkley sell his share ? Where did Fen- 
wick with a colony settle, and in what year ? To whom did 
Byllinge sell his share of the province ? 

6. What was this portion of the province called*? What was 



SETTLEMENT OF MARYLAND. 39 

Carteret's share called ? Who purchased East New Jersey ? Who 
was made governor ? 

7. What did the proprietors do in 1688? When were the two 
Jerseys united, and who was the first governor ? In what year 
did New Jersey obtain a governor solely for that province ? Who 
was the first govei^nor so appointed ? 



SETTLEMENT OF MARYLAND. 
1. The limits of Virginia, by its second charter, 

1609. a ) J 1 

included all the soil which afterwards became the 
state of Maryland. The head of the Chesapeake was 
explored, and the settlements in Accomac were extended, 
and commerce was begun with the Indian tribes. A 

tradinsr settlement seems to have been established 

1 6/2X 

on the river Patuxent, whose object was to carry 
on the fur trade with the Indians. 

2. An attempt was made to obtain a monopoly of this 

commerce, by William Clayborne, a surveyor in 
the employ of the London company. Establish- 
ments were formed on Kent Island, and also near the 
mouth of the Susquehanna. The same year, Sir Greorge 
Calvert, Lord Baltimore, obtained a charter for the province, 
which was named Maryland, in honor of the queen, Hen- 
rietta Maria. Before the patent passed the great seal, Sir 
George Calvert died, and his son Cecil succeeded to his 
honors and his fortunes. 

3. Leonard Calvert, brother of the proprietor, with about 

two hundred emioTants, sailed up the St. Mary's 

1634. , ^ . . . . 1 1 T^ 

some distance above its junction with the rotomac, 
where he purchased an Indian village of the natives, who 
removed and gave the settlers full possession. In the 



40 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

humble village of St. Mary's religious liberty found a 
peaceful home. 

4. The settlers of Maryland escaped the want, the priva- 
tion, and the hardship endured by many of the colonies, 
and its advance was proportionally rapid. In six months 
it had made more progress than Virginia had in six years. 
Under the mild institutions of Lord Baltimore, the desert 
wilderness bloomed with new settlements, and the Catholics, 
who had been oppressed by the laws of England, here 
found a peaceful asylum, and all religious sects were shel- 
tered from persecution. 

5. Nothing impaired the happiness of the colony but the 

conduct of William Clayborne. He refused to 
submit to Lord Baltimore, and resolved to maintain 
his possessions by force of arms. In a skirmish which 
ensued, Clayborne's men were defeated. The colonial 
assembly passed an act of attainder against Clay- 
borne, and his estates were seized and forfeited. 

6. The Indians, alarmed at the rapid increase of the 

Settlers, now commenced hostilities, and carried on 
a frontier war, which continued till 1644, when 
peace was established, and made durable by prudent legis- 
lation and firm humanity. But peace was of short con- 
tinuance in the colony, for the restless Clayborne 

X64:5> 

excited a rebellion. The insurgents were at first 
successful, and compelled the governor to fly, and for a year 
held a dominion distinguished for disorder and misrule. 

7. In 1652, during the Commonwealth, the 

government was taken from Lord Baltimore, and 
placed in other hands, and for several years there was a 

constant struggle for the supremacy. Finally, a 

compromise was efi'ected between the contending 
parties, and government was surrendered to the agent of the 



SETTLEMENT OF MARYLAND. 41 

y 

proprietary. At the restoration of monarchy, the 
authority of Phihp Calvert was fully recognised. 

8. The claims of the proprietor were acknowledged from 

this time until his death, which took place in 1676, 
Cecilius Calvert, Lord Baltimore, the founder and 
the father of Maryland, devoted more than forty years of 
his life to promote the happiness of the colonists, to protect 
the rights of conscience, and to establish, on the broadest 
platform, the principles of religious liberty. His struggles 
and success in establishing these principles, enrol his name 
among the great and wise benefactors of the human race, 
in all ages and in every clime. 

9. On the death of Cecilius, his son Charles succeeded 
to his title and estate. He had been governor of the colony 
for fourteen years, and had ruled with wisdom and modera- 
tion. He was now obliged to return to England, and during 

his absence discontents arose, and his deputies 
were deposed from office. 

10. King William now constituted Maryland a royal 

province, and the church of England was by law 

1690. ^ . ° '' 

established as the state religion, to be supported 
by general taxation. St. Mary's ceased to be the capital, 
and Annapolis hereafter became the seat of government. 
The government continued to be a royal province till 1715, 
when it was restored to the proprietor, in whose family it 
remained till the Revolution. 

Questions on the Settlement of Maryland. — 1. Where was the first 
settlement in Maryland? In what year? What was its object? 

2. Where did William Clayborne form settlements ? In what 
year did Lord Baltimore obtain a charter for the province ? Why 
was it named Maryland ? 

3. When and where did Lord Baltimore establish his colony ? 
Who conducted the emigrants to their new home ? What did 

4* • 



42 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

Leonard Calvert purchase from the Indians ? What name was 
given to the settlement ? 

4. How does the settlement of Maryland compare with the 
settlement of Virginia ? What is said of religious toleration ? 

5. What disturbed the happiness of the colony ? What did 
Clayborne resolve to do ? What occurred in a skirmish ? 

6. What did the Indians do in 1642? How long did the war 
continue? Who excited a rebellion in 1645 ? 

7. From whom was the government taken in 1652? For what 
was there a constant struggle ? How was the question settled ? 
Whose authority was acknowledged at the Restoration ? 

8. When did Lord Baltimore die ? What is said of his char- 
acter ? 

9. Who succeeded Lord Baltimore ? How long had he been 
governor, and what is said of his rule ? 

10. What was Maryland constituted during the reign of King 
William ? What was established as the state religion ? What 
became the capital ? When was the government restored to the 
proprietor, and how long did it remain in his family ? 



SETTLEMENT OF DELAWARE. 

1. The first settlement in Delaware was made by the 
Dutch. A company was formed to make a settlement, and 

one of their number purchased the land extendinoj 

1639. ^ . =* 

from Cape Henlopen for more than thirty miles, 
and comprising the soil of the two lower counties. 

2, This tract of land was soon after colonized. De Vries, 

the conductor of the expedition, planted a colony 
of more than thirty persons, near the present town 
of Lewes. After a year's residence, De Vries returned to 
Holland. After his departure, the settlers became embroiled 
with the Indians, who prepared an ambush, and murdered 
every one of the emigrants. 



SETTLEMENT OF DELAWARE. 43 

3. Several years elapsed before any further attempts were 

made to form settlements. The Swedes now determined to 

establish a colony, and, availing themselves of the experience 

of Peter Minuits, who had been governor at Manhattan, 

they fitted out an expedition, which arrived in the 
1638. -' ^ ' 

Delaware Bay. They purchased the land extending 

from Paradise Point, or Cape Henlopen, to the falls in the 

river Delaware, near Trenton. Their first settlement was 

near the mouth of Christiana Creek, at Fort Christiana, so 

named from the queen of Sweden. 

4. A large number of Swedes and Finns emigrated to 

the new settlement. Their plantations were ex- 

1643. ^. 

tended, and the governor established his residence 
on the island of Tinicum, a few miles below Philadelphia. 
Here a fort was built, and houses soon began to cluster 
around it. 

5. But the Dutch, who had long looked with jealous 

eyes on the Swedish settlements, sent a party who 
built Fort Casimir, on the site of New Castle. The 
Swedes considered this an encroachment on their rights, 
and Rising, the Swedish governor, availing himself of 
stratagem, obtained possession of the fort. The Dutch 
governor soon after sailed with a force of six hundred men 
into the Delaware, for the purpose of conquest. Resistance 
was useless, and the Swedes were compelled to surrender 
their only colony, after seventeen years' possession. 

6. From this time until the Dutch were subdued 

1656. 

by the English, Delaware was governed by deputies 
appointed by Stuyvesant. After the conquest of the Dutch, 
Delaware became a dependency of New York. It 
was afterwards conveyed by the Duke of York to 
William Penn, who landed at New Castle on the 
27th day of October, 1682. 



44 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

7. In the course of a few years the " territories" of 
Delaware wished for a government independent of Penn- 
sylvania. Their request was acceded to by William 
Penn, and the lower counties became a separate 
colony, under Colonel Markham. But Fletcher, who 
assumed the control, once more united Delaware 

1693. , ' 

to Pennsylvania. When the government was re- 
stored to Penn, Delaware still continued to send delegates 
to the Assembly. But in 1702, Pennsylvania 
convened its separate legislature, and the two 
colonies were never again united. 

Questions on the Settlement of Delaioare. — 1. By "whom was the 
first settlement made in Delaware ? What was the extent of the 
purchase made in 1629 ? 

2. Where was the first settlement made, and by whom ? What 
took place when De Vries returned to Holland ? 

3. When did the Swedes make a settlement? What was the 
extent of their purchase ? Where was their first settlement ? 

4. Where did the governor establish his residence ? Wliat was 
built on this island ? 

5. What was built by the Dutch at New Castle ? How did the 
Swedes view the building of the fort ? How did the Swedish 
governor gain possession ? What did the Dutch governor do ? 
WHiat was the result? 

6. After the conquest of the Dutch what did Delaware become ? 
To whom was it conveyed by the Duke of York ? When did 
William Penn land at New Castle ? 

7. What did the "territories" of Delaware wish for? W^ho 
acceded to their request, and who became governor ? When was 
Delaware reunited to Pennsylvania ? When were the colonies 
finally separated ? 



SETTLEMENT OF CONNECTICUT. 45 



SETTLEMENT OF CONNECTICUT. 

1. The Dutch were the first to discover and occupy the 
banks of the Connecticut. The soil around Hartford was 

purchased from the natives, and a fort erected on 
land within the present limits of that city. The 
territory had been previously granted to the Earl of War- 
wick ; it was afterwards held by Lord Say and Seal, Lord 
Brooke and others, as his assigns. 

2. A few months after the erection of the Dutch fort, 
the people of New Plymouth built a trading-house at 
Windsor, and carried on a fur trade with the Indians. 

Soon after, Mr. Winthrop returned from England, 

with a commission to build a fort at the mouth 

of the Connecticut. Previously to his arrival, settlements 

had been commenced by emigrants from the environs of 

Boston, at Windsor and Weathersfield. 

3. In the summer following. Rev. Thomas Hooker, and 

a large company, left Massachusetts, and, after 
a toilsome journey -through the forest, laid the 

foundation of Hartford, on the " delightful banks" of the 
Connecticut, At the time of this settlement, the 
Pequod Indians were numerous and hostile, and 

the colonies were compelled to make war against them. 

This war terminated in the complete overthrow of the 

Pequods, and the destruction of the tribe. 

4. The following year, Rev. John Davenport 
and Theophilus Eaton founded a colony at New 

Haven. After a day of fasting and prayer,^ they rested 

their frame of government on a covenant that " all of them 

would be ordered by the rules which the Scriptures held 



46 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

fortli to them." In 1639, the free planters of the 
colony met in a barn, and agreed upon a code of 

laws, and appointed seven persons, in whom the government 

of the colony was invested. 

5. The increasing numbers of the English completely 

surrounded the Dutch fort, and overwhelmed the 
feeble settlement which they had planted. Governor 
Stuyvesant therefore went to Hartford, and concluded a 
treaty, by which New Netherlands extended to the state 
line, and the eastern part of Long Island was ceded to 
Connecticut. 

6. The colony on the Connecticut promptly acknowledged 

the claim of Charles II., on his restoration to the 
^^^^* throne of his fathers, and Bent John Winthrop the 
younger to obtain a charter from the king. A charter was 
readily granted, and, connecting New Haven with Hartford 
in the colony, it was extended from Narragansett River to 
the Pacific Ocean ! 

7. The union of the two colonies was not, however, 

immediately effected. New Haven was unwilling 
to become merged in the larger colony of Hartford, 
but the wise counsels of Winthrop finally prevailed, and the 
two colonies became united, and continued for many years 
prosperous, and in full enjoyment of their political and 
religious liberties. 

8. When New Netherlands was surrendered to the English, 
and the Duke of York obtained its possession, Andross 

proceeded with armed sloops to Connecticut, and 
endeavored to obtain possession of the fort at Say- 
brook. But he was overawed by the firmness of the colonial 
troops, and obliged to desist. On the accession of James II. 
to the crown, Andross was sent to govern the colony, and 
demand the surrender of the charter. Earnest pleadings 



SETTLEMENT OF CONNECTICUT. 47 

were made against the demand, and the discussion was 
prolonged till nightfall. The charter lay on the table. 
On a sudden, the lights were extinguished, and Joseph 
Wadsworth, availing himself of the darkness, seized the 
charter, and concealed it in the hollow of an oak, which 
was older than the colony, and long survived it, under the 
venerated name of the Charter Oak. 

9. Andross now ruled with absolute power till the Revo- 

lution, which drove his master from the throne, 

1690. 

and threw him into a prison. The discolored 
charter was then taken from its hiding-place, an assembly 
convened, and Connecticut resumed her freedom. But the 

English crown having claimed the command of the 

1693. ... " 

militia, conferred the office on the governor of 
New York, and directed him to assume the duties of that 
office. 

10. In pursuance of his instructions, Fletcher went to 

Hartford, and ordered the militia to assemble on 

1693. ' 

the parade ground. He then appeared at the 
head of the line, and ordered Bayard, of New York, to 
read his commission. Captain Wadsworth, who claimed 
the command, ordered the drums to beat some of the old 
marches well known to veterans. Fletcher commanded 
silence, and said : '' I will not set my foot out of this 
colony, till I have seen his majesty's commission obeyed.'' 
But Wadsworth was resolute, and, as the excited people 
came swarming into Hartford, Fletcher retired, and went 
back to his government in New York, and the English 
government soon after renounced its claim. 

Questio?is on the Settlement of Connecticut. — 1. Who first occupied 
the banks of the Connecticut ? What purchase was made from 
the natives, and what was erected? To whom had the territory 
previously been granted ? By whom was it afterwards held ? 



48 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

2. Where did the people of New Plymouth build a trading- 
house ? Where were settlements soon after made ? 

3. Describe the settlement made by Rev. Mr. Hooker. What 
tribe of Indians were hostile ? How did the war terminate ? 

4. Who founded the colony of New Haven ? On what did they 
rest their frame of government ? 

5. What treaty was made at Hartford by Governor Stuyvesant ? 

6. What was granted by the charter of Charles II. ? 

7. By whose counsels were the colonies united ? 

8. What did Andross endeavor to obtain ? Why did he desist ? 
On the accession of James II. who was sent to govern the colony, 
and what did he demand ? Was the charter surrendered ? What 
became of it ? What was the tree called ? 

9. How long did Andross rule ? What was done after Andross 
was imprisoned ? 

10. What did Governor Fletcher do? What was ordered by 
Captain Wadsworth ? What was the result ? 



SETTLEMENT OF RHODE ISLAND. 

1. When Roger Williams was proscribed in Massacliusetts, 

he left his home in Salem, and was, through the 

1636. . . . 

severity of an inclement winter, an inmate of the 
dense and pathless forests. Part of the time he was a 
guest with Massasoit and other friendly Indians. 

2. Next June, with five companions, he embarked on 
Narragansett Bay, in a frail Indian canoe, and gave to his 
landing-place the name of Providence, to express his trust 
in the mercy of the Divine Being. In the course of two 

years, he was joined by others who fled from perse- 
cution to his asylum. The tract of land comprising 

Providence Plantation was conveyed to him by a deed from 

the chieftain of the Narragansetts. 



SETTLEMENT OF RHODE ISLAND. 49 

8. The friends of Ann Hutchinson, who had been ban- 
ished from Massachusetts, led by John Clarke and William 
Coddington, were welcomed by Eoger Williams, and the 
chief of the Narragansetii made them a gift of a beautiful 
island. Here they laid the foundation of Portsmouth, 
and the following year they commenced the settlement 
of Newport. 

4. The new colony* was excluded from the union of 

the New England colonies, and was obliged to 

164^3. 

appeal to the mother country for protection. 

Roger Williams, therefore, went to England, and obtained 
from the Parliament a free and absolute charter, 
'^ with full power and authority to govern and rule 

themselves.'^ 

5. When Roger Williams had obtained from the Par- 
liament the confirmed union of the territories which 

now constitute the state, he left John Clarke in 
England, as the agent of the colony. On the 
restoration of Charles II., a charter of unexampled libe- 
rality was granted to the colony, which embraced all the 
principles of civil and religious liberty for which it 
had contended. This charter continued to be the state 
constitution until 1842, with the exception of a short 
period, when the tyranny of Andross established his own 
arbitrary rule. 

6. The colony of Rhode Island was an asylum for the 
persecuted of every sect and clime. The benevolent 
principles of its founder were fully carried out, and, favored 
by its wise and beneficent charter, it grew and flourished, 
and though the smallest in extent of territory among the 

* The colony was originally called "Ehode Island and Provi- 
dence Plantation." 
5 



50 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

states of our Federal Union, it stands among the foremost 
for the benevolence and wisdom of its institutions. 

Questions on the Settlement of Rhode Island. — 1. What did Roger 
Williams do, when proscribed in Massachusetts ? 

2. What did he do in June, 1636? What did he name his 
landing-place ? Why did he call it Providence ? Who conveyed 
the land to him ? 

3. What towns were settled by the banished followers of Ann 
Hutchinson ? Who presented them with the island which gives 
name to the state ? 

4. What did Roger Williams obtain from the Parliament ? 

5. What was granted by Charles II. ? How long did this 
charter constitute the state government ? 

6. For what was the colony an asylum ? 



SETTLEMENT OF NORTH CAROLINA. 

1. The first attempts to form settlements in North Caro- 
lina were made by Raleigh, on the island of Roanoke, as 

related in a former part of this history. After the 
entire destruction of that ill-fated colony, no further 

attempts were made to form settlements until 1653, when a 
company was formed for the purpose of emigrating 
from Virginia. This project does not seem to have 

succeeded, and the first settlement appears to have been 

made by a party of New England men, who, in a little bark, 
had found their way into the Cape Fear River, 
purchased a tract of land from the Indian chiefs, 

and planted a town on Oldtowu Creek, on the south side 

of Cape Fear River. 

2. The overflow of population in Virginia extended into 



SETTLEMENT OF NORTH CAROLINA. 51 

North Carolina, and a few straggling families had fixed 

their abodes within its limits as early as 1660. But the 

first reo'ular settlement from Virginia was made on 

1663. ^ . ^ '^ 

Albemarle Sound, in 1663. A separate government 
was established over this settlement, and William Drummond 
was appointed to be its governor. 

3. The settlement on Cape Fear River was not entirely 
abandoned, but it did not prosper. Several planters oi 

Barbadoes emio-rated to Cape Fear River, near the 

1665. ^ / '. 

former settlement, and laid the foundation of a 
town, every vestige of which has long since disappeared. 
The feeble remnant of the New England colonists united 
with the new settlers. 

4. Lord Clarendon and his associates obtained from the 
king a new charter, which granted them an immense extent 
of territory, and conferred on theni the most ample privi- 
leges. A constitution for the government was prepared 
by" the distinguished writer and philosopher, John Locke, 
which was totally at variance with the popular wishes, and 
contrary to the genius of free institutions. It was tried, 
but never carried out, and finally abandoned as impracticable 

and useless. William Sayle was appointed governor 
by the proprietaries, 

5. The colony continued to grow, and received every year 
fresh accessions of emigrants — men who fled from persecu- 
tion, and here found an asylum. The first trouble 

1678. ' 1 P 1 • • 

was an attempt made to enforce the navigation 

laws, which were very oppressive. This attempt hastened 

an insurrection. The people rose and imprisoned the 

deputies of the proprietaries, and organized a government 

for themselves, Culpepper, the leader of the insurrection, 

was seized, carried to England, tried by an English jury, 

and acquitted. 



52 HISTORY OF THE Ux\ITED STATES. 

6. An act of amnesty was granted, and Sothel, one of the 

proprietaries, now assumed the government. His 
sole object was the acquisition of wealth, and, with 
this view, he cheated his partners, and plundered the colo- 
nists. The people bore with his infamous exactions for 
five years, when he was deposed, and driven from 

1688. 

the colony. 

7. The constitution framed by Mr. Locke having been 
practically inoperative, was now formally abrogated by the 

proprietaries. Soon after, John Archdale, a mem- 
ber of the Society of Friends, became governor, 

and the colony prospered under his wise and benevolent 

administration. 

8. A number of French, German, and Swiss families 

havina: made settlements in the vicinity of the 

1711. ° . "^ 

Roanoke River and Pamlico Sound, the Tuscaroras 
considered it an encroachment on their territory, and, 
attacking their settlements in the dead of night, set fire 
to their cabins, and murdered the unfortunate settlers. 
Relief was obtained from South Carolina. A body of 
troops from that province defeated the Tuscaroras, who fled 
to Lake Oneida, and joined the confederacy of Indians, 
making the sixth nation in that celebrated union. From 
this time the colony enjoyed peace and prosperity. 

Questions on the Settlement of North Carolina. — 1. Where and by 
wliom were the first attempts made to form settlements ? In what 
year was the first permanent settlement made ? Where and by 
whom ? 

2. Where was a settlement made in 1663 ? 

3. What is said of the settlements on Cape Fear River ? 

4. What did Lord Clarendon obtain from the king ? Who pre- 
pared a constitution ? What is said of it ? Who was governor ? 

5. What brought on an insurrection ? What was done by the 
people ? 



SETTLEMENT OF SOUTH CAROLINA. 53 

6. What act was passed? Who assumed the government? 
What was his sole object? How long did the people submit, and 
what did they then do ? 

7. What was done by the proprietaries ? Who became governor ? 
What is said of his administration ? 

8. What Indian war broke out ? What was the cause ? What 
became of the Tuscarora Indians ? 



SETTLEMENT OF SOUTH CAROLINA. 

1. The history of the UDfortunate settlement on Port 

Pioyal Entrance has been related. Its horrors were 
not forgotten, and the succeeding expedition care- 
fully avoided its shores, for the more genial ones of the 
river May. The next settlement was made by the English 
proprietaries, more than a century afterwards. In 
January a number of emigrants set sail for Carolina. 
They were conducted by Joseph West and "William Sayle, 
the latter of whom was appointed governor. They entered 
the harbor where Ribault had anchored, and the site where 
the Huguenots had erected the fortress of Carolina. But 
they did not settle here. After a brief sojourn, they sailed 
into Ashley River, and, on " the first high land,'' began 
their town, of which at this day not a vestige remains, 
except the line of a moat, intended as a defence against 
the Indians. 

2. On landing, they established a form of government, 
and refused to accept or act under the grand model of 
Locke's Constitution, which had been prepared for this 
colony, as well as for its northern neighbor. The first site 
for a town not suiting for commerce, it was deserted, and the 



54 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

neck of land known as Oyster Point .became tlie 

1680. . , . 

site of a village, named in honor of the king^ and 
now the opulent city and the great commercial mart of 
Charleston. 

3. African slavery was introduced in the earliest period 

of this colony, and throve, from the nature of the 

1671. , "^ . 

climate, much more rapidly than in the more 
northern provinces. Large numbers of emigrants came 
from different parts of Europe, and it is remarkable, that 
Carolina became an asylum for the persecuted French 
Protestants, agreeably to the design of Coligny one hundred 
years previously. 

4. Several years were spent in continued struggles 

between the proprietaries and the people. The 

former wished, and labored, to introduce the 

Constitution which had been prepared with so much care, 

and the latter absolutely refused to accept any 

1 H A A X */ 

of its provisions. James Colleton was appointed 
governor, but his office, his rank, and his wealth, produced 
neither respect nor obedience. The Revolution of 
1688 brought about an absolute repeal of his 
attempts to govern, and, when William and Mary were pro- 
claimed as the sovereis^ns, Colleton was banished 

1690. ^ , . 

from the province. 

5. Seth Sothel, who had been driven from North Carolina, 

now became governor, and, the following year, the 

Huguenots were allowed all the rights of citizens in 

the colony. But tranquillity was not restored, and anarchy 

and confusion prevailed. In 1 693, the fundamental 

1693 

constitution was abrogated, and, the following year, 
John Archdale was appointed governor. He conciliated 
parties, established friendly relations with the neighboring 
Indians and with the Spaniards of Florida, and elicited 



SETTLEMENT OF SOUTH CAROLINA. 55 

from the freemen of tlie province the declaration that 
Archdale, " By his wisdom, patience, and labor, had laid a 
firm foundation for a most glorious superstructure." 

6. The proprietaries, disappointed in establishing an here- 
ditary nobility, determined to establish by law the " church 

of England," and, obtaining a majority in the 

Assembly, they excluded all dissenters from any 

share in legislation or government. The dissenters appealed 

to the House of Lords, and the intolerant acts were nullified 

by royal authority. 

7. The wars of Europe involved the colonies in hostilities 
with the nations which had settled on their borders. Thus 

South Carolina became involved in war with Florida, 

and the governor headed an expedition for the 

reduction of St. Augustine. While besieging that place, 

two Spanish vessels appeared at the mouth of the harbor, 

when Governor Moore raised the siege, and retreated. He 

next marched against the Indians on the Bay of 

^^^^' Apalachee, and defeated them and their Spanish 

allies, and gave to Great Britain a claim to the country now 

constituting Georgia. 

8. The next year a French squadron attempted 

^^^^' an invasion of Charleston, but was repelled by the 

bravery of its inhabitants. A war broke out with the 

Yamasee tribe of Indians, by an indiscriminate massacre of 

the inhabitants of the frontier settlements. They continued 

their depredations, but were finally defeated in a 

^^^^' desperate conflict on the banks of the Salkehatchie. 

9. The oppressive measures of the proprietaries, and 

their total disregard of the rights of the people, led to a 

revolution. The Assembly voted themselves a 

^^^^' -convention, elected James Moore governor, and 

renounced the government of the proprietaries. The latter 



56 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

forfeited their charter, and it was abroo-ated by the 

lords of the regency and royal authority, and 

Francis Nicholson was appointed governor. In 1729, 

North and South Carolina became distinct pro- 

vinces, and, the loUowmg year, an alliance was 

entered into with the Cherokees. The covenant promised 

" that love should flow like the rivers, and peace endure like 

the mountains ;" and it was faithfully kept, at least for one 

generation. 

Questions on the Settlement of South Carolina. — 1. What is said 
of the first settlement at Port Royal ? How long was it before 
another was made? What took place in 1670? Did they settle 
at Port Royal ? Where was the first settlement ? Does any ves- 
tige of their to©^n remain ? 

2. What place was selected for a town in 1680? In honor of 
whom was it named ? 

3. What is said of African slavery ? For whom did South 
Carolina become an asylum ? 

4. What caused struggles between the proprietaries and the 
people ? Who was appointed governor, and what is said of his 
authority ? 

5. Who now became governor ? What is said of the Huguenots ? 
When was the fundamental constitution abrogated ? Repeat the 
declaration made respecting Governor Archdale. 

6. What form of religion did the proprietaries seek to establish ? 
What did the dissenters do ? 

7. What expedition was led by the governor in 1702 ? Describe 
his march against the Indians. What territory was gained by 
this war ? 

8. What did a French squadron attempt? What war took place? 

9. What led to a revolution in 1715 ? After the abrogation of the 
charter, who became governor ? When did North and South Caro- 
lina become distinct provinces ? With what tribe of Indians was 
a treaty made ? 



SETTLEMENT OF PENNSYLVANIA. 57 



1643. 



1643. 



SETTLEMENT OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

1. The settlements of New Sweden, which com- 
menced near Christiana Creek, in Delaware, gradu- 
ally extended into Pennsylvania. In 1643, John 
Printz, the Swedish governor, built a handsome and 
commodious mansion on Tinicum Island, a short distance 
below the mouth of the Schuylkill. The village of Upland, 
now Chester, was among the earliest settlements, and the 
southern part of Philadelphia was a Swedish village. Here, 
in the vicinity of the Navy Yard, they erected a log 
church,* several years before the arrival of the 
English colony. 

2. The name of Pennsylvania is derived from William 
Penn, a member of the Society of Quakers, or Friends. 
His father, Admiral Penn, is distinguished in English 
history, for the conquest of Jamaica, and as a brave and 
skilful naval commander. He bequeathed to his son William 
a claim on the government for sixteen thousand pounds. 
Penn applied for a grant of a territory on the west bank 
of the Delaware, and with the king, who was embarrassed 
for money, this was an easy way to cancel the debt. 

3. Accordingly, a charter for the territory was obtained, 
and a royal proclamation soon announced to all the inhabit- 
ants of the province, that William Penn, their absolute 
proprietary, was invested with all powers necessary for its 
government. 

* On the site of the present antiquated structure, which was 
built in 1700. 



58 



HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



1681, 



1683. 



4. The proprietary also issued liis proclamation 
to the settlers who were occupying a small portion 

of his territory, and commissioned William Markham as 
his agent. Soon after, the first company of settlers left 
England, and landed, in December, in Upland, now Chester. 

5. By a grant of the Duke of York, the three 
lower counties (or Delaware) came under his juris- 
diction. In the year following the arrival of the first 
emigrants, Penn himself embarked for his territory, and 
landed at New Castle, on the 27th of October, 1GH2. The 
day after his landing, he addressed the inhabitants, recom- 
mended sobriety and peace, and pledged himself to grant 
civil freedom and liberty of conscience. 







PENN LANDING IN PHILADELPHIA. 



6. From thence he proceeded to Chester, and, in an 
open boat, to the site which he intended for a city. Here 
the great city of Philadelphia had its humble origin, and 
here the famous treaty with the Indians was made, and the 
promise given by the sons of the forest, that they ''would 



SETTLEMENT OF PENNSYLVANIA. 59 

live in love with William Penn and his children, as long as 
the sun and moon should endure." 

7. The first Assembly met at Chester, on the 4th 

1683. ^ _ , T T . • Pxi 1 

of December, and, durmg a session oi three days, 
enacted three laws. The next Legislative Assembly met at 
Philadelphia, in the Friends' meeting-house. A 
charter of liberties was adopted, which was one of 
unexampled liberality. It lodged the largest amount of 
power in the people, reserving only a negative vote to the 
proprietary. 

8. Penn now returned to England, leaving th^ 
government in the hands of five commissioners of 

the royal council, with Thomas Lloyd as president. Soon 

after his return to England, King Charles II. died, and 

was succeeded by his brother, the Duke of York. The 

new king (James II.) was friendly to Penn, and, after the 

Revolution which placed William and Mary on the 

throne, the government of Pennsylvania was taken 

in the hands of the king, who commissioned Colonel 

Fletcher to govern the province. Penn himself 

was several times imprisoned, for his supposed adherence 

to the fortunes of the banished sovereign. 

9. Finally, the entire innocence of William Penn was 

fully established, and he was again restored to his 

proprietary rights. But the pressure of poverty 

prevented his immediate return to Pennsylvania, and 

Markham was invested with the executive power. Before 

the close of the century, William Penn was with 

X699 

his wife and family in Pennsylvania. The house 
he occupied is still standing in the city of Philadelphia. 

10. Penn now prepared a new frame of govern- 
ment, in which he conceded all the political pri- 
vileges asked for by the people. Religious liberty was 



60 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

established, and the province became an asylum for the 
oppressed of every clime and creed. He now returned to 
England, leaving Andrew Hamilton as deputy governor. 
This great and good man never again returned to his 
province. He died in London, in 1718, leaving his interest 
in Pennsylvania to his children. It continued in the Penn 
family until the Revolution, when their claim was purchased 
by the commonwealth for the sum of $580,000. 

Questions on the Settlement of Pen7isylvania. — 1. When and by 
whom was the first European settlement made in Pennsylvania ? 
Name other settlements made by the Swedes. 

2. Who was William Penn ? How did he obtain the territory ? 

3. What royal proclamation was made? 

4. When did the first colonists leave England ? Where did 
they land ? 

5. When did Penn arrive, and where did he land ? 

6. After leaving New Castle, where did he proceed ? When was 
Philadelphia founded ? What promise was given by the Indians ? 

7. Where was the first Legislative Assembly held ? The second ? 
What is said of the charter of liberties ? 

8. When did Penn return to England ? Why was the govern- 
ment taken out of his hands ? 

9. When the government was restored, who acted as deputy 
governor ? When did Penn revisit the province ? 

10. What did Penn grant to the people ? When did he return 
to England? When and where did he die? How long did the 
province belong to the Penn family ? What was then paid for 
the claim? 



SETTLEMENT OF GEORGIA. 61 



SETTLEMENT OP GEORGIA. 

1. We come now to the settlement of the thirteenth and 
last of the original colonies. James Oglethorpe, a member 
of Parliament, and a philanthropist, desirous of procuring 
an asylum for multitudes who were poor and helpless in 
the country of their birth, associated a number of gentlemen. 

with himself for that purpose. They obtained a 

173/3 

charter from George II., which erected the country 
between the Savannah and the Alatamaha, and from the 
head springs of those rivers due west to the Pacific, into 
the province of Georgia, and placed it for twenty-one years 
under the guardianship of a corporation " in trust for the 
poor." 

2. In November, General Oglethorpe himself, with about 
one hundred and twenty emigrants, left England, and 
arrived at Charleston. From thence he sailed to Port 

Royal. Then, ascending the Savannah River, he 
chose as the site of his town the high bluff oa 
which the city of Savannah is built. 

3. Oglethorpe now entered into treaties of alliance with 
the neighboring tribes of Indians, and, by his kindness, con- 
ciliated the sons of the forest, and gained their coufidence. 
The trustees having invited the persecuted Protestants of 

Europe to settle in Georgia, great numbers came 
from Germany, the Highlands of Scotland, and 

other portions of Europe, and formed settlements in this 

now thriving province. 

4. The same year, the town of Augusta was laid out, 
and Oglethorpe visited England. In 1736, ho returned, 

6 



62 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

with three hundred emic-rants, and the colony 

1736. , . . ^ . ' , , -^ 

was constantly receiving accessions. Among other 

benevolent enterprises, the celebrated preacher, George 

Whitefield, founded an orphan asylum at Savannah. 

5. The boundaries between the province and Florida 

not being clearly defined, Oglethorpe, with a party, built a 

fort, named St. George, on an island at the mouth of the 

St. John's River, which he claimed to be the southern 

limits of Georgia. The Spaniards of Florida threatened 

war, and claimed the whole territory as far as the sound 

of St. Helena. But hostihties were avoided for a time by 

negotiation. The English Fort St. George was abandoned, 

and the St. Mary's River ultimately became the southern 

boundary of Georgia. 

6. In 1739, England declared war against Spain, 
and Oglethorpe again extended the boundaries of 

Georgia to the St. John's River, and, early the next year, 
invaded Florida. He attacked St. Augustine,, but 
in consequence of the sickness of his troops, and 

their ill success, he was obliged to return to Georgia. 

7. The Spanish government now resolved to 
invade Georgia. A fleet and armament from Cuba 

sailed towards the mouth of the St. Mary's, and shortly 
afterwards entered St. Simon's Harbor, successfully passing 
the Enghsli batteries. A party of Spaniards landed and 
marched against the town of Frederica, but were defeated 
by Oglethorpe and a company of Scottish Highlanders; a 
second party advanced to the rescue, but they were also 
defeated and compelled to retreat with a loss of two hundred 
men. But the Spaniards being embarrassed by divisions, 
deceived by an ingenious stratagem, and fearful of surprise, 
re-ciiibarked and left the coast, much to the joy of the 
colonists. 



SETTLEMENT OF GEORGIA. 63 

8. After a year of peace, General Oglethorpe, 
having fulfilled his mission, returned to England, 
where he lived to extreme old age, beloved and venerated 
by all his contemporaries for his nobleness of nature, and 
his great benevolence of character. After the departure 
of Oglethorpe, the colony enjoyed peace and uninterrupted 
prosperity until the Revolution, which sundered its " poli- 
tical ties/' and formed it into a sovereign and independent 
state. 



Questions 07i the Settlement of Georgia. — 1. Who was the founder 
of Georgia ? From whom did he receive a charter ? Describe the 
extent of teri'itory granted to him. 

2. Where did he make his settlement ? In what j^ear ? 

3. What is said of his alliance with the Indians ? What class 
of emigrants now settled in Georgia ? 

4. What did Oglethorpe do in 1734? When did he return? 
What is said of the colony ? 

5. What fort was built by Oglethorpe? Give its location. 
What did the Spaniards claim ? What ultimately became the 
boundary ? 

6. What war was declared in 1789? What was done by Ogle- 
thorpe ? What town was attacked ? 

7. Describe the invasion of Georgia. Where were the Spaniards 
defeated ? What did they do soon after ? 

8. In what year did Governor Oglethorpe return to England? 
What further is said of him ? What is said of the colony after 
his departure ? 



64 HISTORY OP THE UNITED STATES. 



COLONIAL HISTORY. 

FROM THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE EIGHTEENTH CEN- 
TURY TO THE END OF THE FRENCH WAR IN 1763. 

1. We have now traced the history of the original thirteen 
colonies from their discovery and first settlements, to a period 
in which they were firmly established as valuable appendages 
to the British crown, and from which they were finally 
alienated by the tyranny and folly of the latter. 

2. In May, 1702, England, now governed by 
Queen Anne, declared war against both France 

and Spain, and our colonies were again involved in its 
horrors. Deerfield, in Massachusetts, was surprised 
in the dead of night by a party of French ^and 
Indians, and most of the inhabitants massacred or carried 
into captivity. For several years these savage hostilities 
continued, and the settlers were frequently surprised, and 
scalped or murdered by their cruel enemies, who respected 
neither sex nor age. 

3. But now a fleet from England, ioined by 

1710. ^ . . 

another from New England, and four colonial regi- 
ments, sailed from Boston, and, in a few days, anchored in 
the harbor of Port Koyal, the garrison of which soon capit- 
ulated, and marched out with the honors of war. In honor 
of the queen, the place was named Annapolis. 

4. The folio wins; vear a large fleet sailed from 

ITll. "^ . 

England, under command of Admiral Walker, for 
the reduction of Canada. An army was also assembled at 
Albany, to co-operate with the fleet in its attack on Mont- 



KING George's war. 65 

real. But tlie fleet never reached its destination. Tlie 
obstinacy of tlie admiral, in rejecting tlie advice of the 
pilots, caused the wreck of several vessels, and the loss of 
nearly nine hundred men. This disaster put an end to the 
expedition. Two years afterwards, the war was 
terminated by the treaty of Utrecht^ and Acadia, 
or Xova Scotia, was ceded to the English. 

5. But the peace of Utrecht did not make a final settle- 
ment of the boundaries between France and England. 
Each power laid claim to the vast extent of territory 
extending west. The colony of New York estab- 
Hshed a commercial post at Oswego,* which was 
afterwards converted into a fortress, in defiance of the 
Iroquois, and the protest of France. This latter power did 
not look indifferently on English encroachments. In 1731 
the French erected the fortress of Crown Point, on 

1731. 

Lake Champlain. This post defended the approach 
to Canada by water, and gave security to Montreal. 

6. A party from Canada soon afterwards arrived 
at that point where the Niagara empties into Lake 

Ontario, and here they built Fort Niagara. It was now 
seen that the ambitious designs of the French aimed to 
connect their possessions in Canada with the distant one 
of Louisiana, and that to effect this they were establishing a 
line of communication from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. 

7. In 1744, the war, commonly called King 

174:4:. 1 1 J O 

George's War, broke out between England and 
France, and, as a matter of course, extended to their 
American colonies. Before the intelligence of the declara- 
tion of war had been received in New England, a body of 
French from Cape Breton surprised the English garrison 

■5«- Fort on Lake Ontario, N. Y. 
6* 



66 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

at Canseau, and, after destroying tlie fort, carried eighty 
men as prisoners of war to Louisbourg. 

8. Sliirley, tlie governor of Massachusetts, resolved on 
an enterprise for the capture of Louisbourg. An 
army from Massachusetts and Connecticut, undei 
command of William Pepperell, met at Canseau, and soon 
after landed on the island of Cape Breton. During the 
siege on land, Admiral Warren, with a fleet, guarded the 
approaches to the harbor, and, after the capture of a sixty- 
four gun ship laden with military stores, the governor of 
the city sent out a flag of truce, and offered terms of 
capitulation, which were accepted, and the city, the fort, 
and the batteries were surrendered to an army composed 
of fishermen, farmers, and mechanics. 

9. The next year, the French sent a large naval 

1T4:6. . 

force, with orders to ravage the whole coast; but 

sickness, tempest, the sudden death of its commander, and 

other disasters, frustrated their intentions. The 

French fleet sent the following year was captured. 

10. Nothing further was effected by either of the con- 

tending powers, and a treaty was concluded at 

Aix-la-Chapelle in 1748. By the terms of the 

treaty, all places captured during the war were to be restored, 

and, much to the grief of the colonists, Louisbourg again 

reverted to the French. 

11. But the French still pursued their former policy. 

They built forts, encroaching on land which clearly 

belonged to English grants, and forbid English 

traders trafficking with the Indians. In pursuance of this 

threat, several traders -were seized and carried as prisoners 

to their fort on Pres,que Isle,* and some to Canada. 

* Presque Isle, on Lake Erie, Pennsylvania. 



THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. 67 

12. The tribes of Indians friendly to the English 

1T5/3. 

had given repeated warnings of French encroach- 
ments, and suggested the importance of building a fort at 
the junction of the Alleghany and Monougahela Rivers. 
But two years were allowed to pass away, before active 
measures were adopted by either the colonial or British 
governments. 

13. Governor Dinwi«Jdie of Virginia resolved to 

1T53. ... 

send "a person of distinction to the commander 
of the French forces, to know his reasons for invading the 
British dominions, while peace subsisted. '^ He selected 
George Washington for this important mission, who, although 
not yet twenty-two years of age, was better qualified for its 
duties than any other man in Virginia. 

14. In the middle of November, with an interpreter and 
four attendants, and an old pioneer of the wilderness as a 
guide, he started from Will's Creek (now Cumberland). 
Here he left the abodes of civilized life, and journeyed 
through immense forests, across mountains, rocky ravines, 
and swollen streams. In nine days he reached the fork of the 
Ohio, then a wild, unbroken solitude. Here the party crossed 
the Alleghany, and proceeded towards Venango, where they 
were hospitably received and entertained for several days. 

15. At Fort Le Boeuff, French Creek, Washington was 
courteously received by the French commander, St. Pierre, 
to whom he delivered Dinwiddle's letter. On his return, 
their horses were found to be so fatigued, they left them, 

and proceeded on foot. On the 16th of January 
he reached Williamsburg, and delivered the reply 
of the French commander to Governor Dinwiddle. 

16. The reply of the French commander was courteous, 
but evasive. Major Washington had heard enough on his 
expedition to be satisfied that the French only wished to 



68 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

, ^ ^ jjain time, and that they intended to descend the 
Ohio early in the spring, and take possession of the 
country. A company was therefore despatched to the fork 
of the Ohio to build a fort, and a body of troops enlisted 
and sent out under the command of Washington, now made 
lieutenant-colonel. 

17. The party at the fork of the Ohio had not half com- 
pleted their fort, when they were surprised by a French force 
from Yenango, and compelled to withdraw. The French 
then completed the fort, which was named Duquesne,* in 
honor of the governor of New France. 

18. Washington with his detachment made a toilsome 
progress through the wilderness. On his arrival at the 
Great Meadows, he made an intrenchmeut, and sent out 
scouts to reconnoitre the position of the enemy. Assisted 
by some friendly Indians, they found the hiding-place of 
the French detachment. Coming on them by surprise, an 
action ensued, which resulted in the defeat of the French, 
ten of whom were killed, including Jumonville, their leader. 
This was the first battle of the French and Indian War. 

19. But while the French were constantly increasing in 
numbers, Washington received no reinforcement, and was 
compelled to fall back on a palisaded fort, which was named 
Fort Necessity, on account of the famine attendant on its 
construction. Here he was attacked by a large body of the 
enemy, and, after considerable skirmishing, the French 
commander proposed terms of capitulation, which were 
accepted by Washington, and the fort was abandoned. 

20, In the following year, the British govern- 

1755. .7 . 

ment prepared for military operations in America, 
and Greneral Braddock, a veteran soldier, was sent as com- 

* Duquesne — spelled thus by Irving and Bancroft. 



THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. 69 

mauder of all the forces in tlie colonies. On his 

1755. 

arrival, a convention of colonial governors was held 
at Alexandria, and four expeditions against the French 
were agreed upon. They were to be sent against Fort 
Duquesne, Niagara, Crown Point, and Nova Scotia. 

21. General Braddock set out from Alexandria on the 
20th of April. He was joined by Colonel Washington at 
Fredericktown, who went as one of his aides-de-camp. On 
the 19th of May the army reached Fort Cumberland, from 
which place military roads had to be cut through the woods 
for their passage. Their progress was slow and toilsome, 
and it was the 9th of July when the advanced army crossed 
the Monongahela, ten miles from. Fort Duquesne. 

22. Colonel Washington had advised the general how to 
proceed against the wily Indian, lurking in ambush, and 
striking blows when least expected. But his advice was 
rejected with scorn, and the army held on their way, agree- 
ably to the modes of European warftire. Suddenly the 
dreadful war whoop burst upon them, and, at the same time, 
a storm of bullets from a concealed enemy. 

23. The regular soldiers were cut down by the Indian 
rifle, and most of the officers fell while leading on their 
men. The Virginia troops scattered themselves, and did 
good service behind trees, from which they could fire on 
the enemy. Colonel Washington was a conspicuous mark 
for the rifle. Two horses were shot under him, and four 
bullets passed through his coat. But he was preserved by 
Divine Providence for future usefulness. 

24. Braddock did all he could to turn back the tide of 
battle. But five horses were shot under him, and he him- 
self received a mortal wound. The regulars then fled in 
confusion, and were only saved from total destruction by 
the bravery of Washington and the provincial troops. The 



iV HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

defeat was total, and the remains of tlie army con- 
I'^ss* . . . . ... 

tinned its retreat until it met the other division 

under Colonel Dunbar. General Braddock died four days 
after the battle at the Great Meadows. *" His grave may 
still be seen near the National Koad, one mile west of 
fFort Necessity." Colonel Dunbar, on whom the command 
devolved, d stroyed the military stores, and retreated to 
Philadelphia. 

25. The expedition against Nova Scotia was conducted 
by Generals Monckton and Winslow. They took possession 
of the country, and compelled the unfortunate inhabitants 
to leave their homes, and all the products of their industry, 
and scattered them through the colonies. 

26. The troops destined for the reduction of Crown Point 
assembled at Albany. The artillery, ammunition, and stores 
were conveyed by water to the portage on the Hudson, where 
a fort was commenced, called Fort Edward. Here part of 
the troops remained under General Lyman, while the main 
force proceeded under General Johnson to Lake George, 
where they encamped. A body of French troops, led by 
the Baron de Dieskau, marched against them. Colonel 
Williams, with a thousand men, was detached to attack the 
enemy. An action ensued, the English were repulsed, and 
their leader killed. The action then became general, and, 
after a long contest, the French gave way. Baron Dieskau 
was wounded and taken prisoner to the camp, where he 
died. In this action the brave Chevalier St. Pierre, for- 
merly commander at Venango, was killed. Johnson' did 
not follow up his victory, but having built a fort, which he 
named William Henry, he returned to Albany. | 

* Bancroft. 

I Fort Necessity, in Fayette County, Pennsylvania. 

J Irving's Life of Washington. 



THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. 71 

27. The defeat of General Braddock put an end to all 
vigorous measures against the fort at Niagara. Storms, 
sickness, the desertion of the Indian allies, and other adverse 
causes, compelled General Shirley to abandon his projected 
enterprise and return to Albany. The ill success 
of the British left the frontier exposed to all the 
horrors -of savage barbarity, and the inefficiency of the 
British ministry in providing the means of defence, gave 
the enemy the advantage in all their expeditions. Oswego 
was besieged by a large French force under General Mont- 
calm, and the garrison were obliged to capitulate. Sixteen 
hundred became prisoners of war, and were sent to Mont- 
real. *Forty-five persons were killed; twelve in action, 
and the others by Indians as they endeavored to escape in 
the woods ; but beyond this there was no massacre. 

28. General Montcalm, with a large body of 
French and Indians, now besieged Fort William 
Henry, which was defended by Lieutenant-Colonel Monro, 
a brave officer. General Webb, at Fort Edward, only fifteen 
miles distant, with an army of five thousand men, refused 
to send any assistance, and the old hero was obhged to 
surrender. By the terms of capitulation, they were to 
march out with the honors of war, to abandon all but their 
private effects, and an escort was to attend them on their 
departure. 

29. But the savages, regardless of treaties, commenced 
the work of plunder and massacre, as the soldiers marched 
out. Many were tomahawked, and many made prisoners. 
Montcalm and his officers did all in their power to arrest 
the massacre. " Kill me," he said, " but spare the English 
who are under my protection." Six hundred troops reached 



* Bancroft. 



72 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

Fort Edward, while four hundred who had fled to the 

French camp, were sent under an escort, and an officer 

despatched to the Indians to ransom their prisoners. 

30. The campaign of 1757 was marked with 
ITS 8. . 

disaster to the colonists, and disgrace to the arms- 

of England. But the succeeding campaign was more 

auspicious. The best prime-minister* who ever^ wielded 

the vast power of the British Empire, now held the reins 

of government, and he selected the bravest generals and 

most able commanders in the realm for the subjugation 

of the French power in America. The energies of Pitt 

infused new life into the army and the colonies, and now 

victory succeeded victory. - 

81. Louisbourg was invested by a powerful army under 
General Amherst. The siege was commenced on the 8th 
of June ; the garrison bravely defended this important 
place, but they were obliged to surrender; and, on the 27th 
of the same month, the English took possession of Louis- 
bourg, Cape Breton, and Prince Edward's Island. The 
garrison became prisoners of war, and, with the sailors and 
marines, numbering in all more than five thousand men, 
were sent to England. 

32. A powerful force under General Abercrombie ad- 
vanced against Ticonderoga. They passed down Lake 
George in boats, and with artillery on rafts. Soon after 
their landing, in a skirmish with a party, Lord Howe was 
killed, being the first who fell in the engagement. An 
attack was made on the fort, but the assailants were repelled 
with great slaughter, and obliged to retreat. The battle 
was lost in consequence of the inefficiency of the Bri+'sh 
general, who was not to be found when his presence was 

* William Pitt, afterwards Lord Chatham 



THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. 73 

needed to rally the fuo-itives, whereas Montcalm, 

1758. J r> : 7 

the French commander, with a watchful eye, super- 
intended every movement on the battle-field. 

83, Abercrombie, with the main army, remained at Lake 
George in supine inactivity. During the year he was 
superseded by General Amherst, who was appointed com- 
mander-in-chief. Soon after the failure to capture Ticonde- 
roga, Colonel Bradstreefc proceeded against Fort Frontenac^ 
on the Canadian side of Lake Ontario. The garrison sur- 
rendered, and the Americans destroyed the stores which, 
they could not carry off, and, after razing the fortress^, 
returned to Lake George. 

34. Pitt, anxious to wipe out the disgrace of Ticonderoga,. 
now directed an expedition against Fort Duquesne. General 
Forbes, with a body of provincial troops, was intrusted with 
the command. Colonel Washington, at the head of the 
Virginia troops, contributed mainly to the success of the 
expedition. " General Forbes would never, without Wash- 
ington, have seen the Ohio."* 

35. When within fifty miles of the fort. Major Grant 
was sent to reconnoitre, and ascertain the force of the 
enemy. But he was suddenly attacked by a large body of 
French and Indians. The detachment was routed. Two 
hundred and ninety-five were killed or prisoners, and the 
remainder were saved from destruction by the coolness and 
courage of Captain Bullitt of Virginia. At length the' 
army arrived at Fort Duquesne, which they found deserted^ 
the garrison having set fire to the fort the night before, and 
retreated down the Ohio. On the 25th of November, 
Washington, with the advanced guard, marched in and 
planted the British flag on its yet smoking ruins. By 

* Bancroft's History of the United States, Vol. IV., p. 308. 
7 



74 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STAINS. 

common consent the place was named Fort Pitt, in honor 
of the prime minister, and on its site has sprung up the 
flourishing city of Pittsburg. 

36. The following year several expeditions were 
planned to capture the strongholds of the enemy. 
The first executed was against the fort at Niagara. General 
Prideaux embarked at Oswego on the 1st of July with a 
large body of troops, and commenced the siege, which was 
pressed with vigor. On the 20th of July the general was 
killed by the bursting of a cannon, and Sir William Johnson 
now conducted the siege with skill and courage. Being 
told that a French force was marching against him, he sent 
out a detachment^ which routed the enemy, and, on the 
following day, the fort surrendered; and the garrison marched 
out with the honors of war. 

37. In the month of July, General Amherst advanced 
against Ticonderoga and Crown Point. The garrisons, 
unable to retain these posts, abandoned them, and made a 
stand at the Isle aux Noix for the protection of Montreal. 
The general occupied his time in repairing the dismantled 
fortSj and then turned back, instead of proceeding against 
the enemy. 

38. Wolfe, witli eight thousand men, ascended the St. 
Lawrence in June, and, on the 26th, disembarked on the 
island of Orleans. Montcalm commanded the post, with 
troops more numerous than the assailants, but not so well 
disciplined. Wolfe established batteries at the west point 
of the island, and at Point Levi, on the soutli bank of the 
St. Lawrence. Anxious for a decisive action, on the 9th 
of July he crossed over in boats from the island to the north, 
bank of the St. Lawrence, and encamped below the Mont- 
morency. 

39. On the 18th of July Wolfe made a reconnoitering 



THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. 75 

expedition up the river, and passed Quebec un- 
harmed. Returning to Montmorency, he resolved 
to attack Montcalm in his camp. But his grenadiers were 
repulsed with a loss of four hundred men. But in the 
mean time it was resolved to land and surprise the enemy. 
This was effected in the darkness of the night, on the 
13th of September. The landing took place near Cape 
Diamond. Wolfe was among the first who landed and 
climbed the steep ascent, where they put to flight a 
sergeant's guard posted at the summit, and by the break 
of day his army was in battle array on the Plains of 
Abraham. 

40. Montcalm immediately summoned all his forces, and 
led them to the attack. The EngHsh reserved their fire 
until their assailants were within forty yards, and then 
discharged deadly volleys. They, however, suffered from 
the lurking Indians, who singled out the ofiicers. Wolfe 
was wounded by a ball in the wrist. Binding a handker- 
chief around the wound, he led on the grenadiers to charge 
the foe with fixed bayonets. He now received a wound in 
his breast, which proved to be mortal. Being borne off to 
the rear, water was brought to quench his thirst. " They 
run," cried one of the attendants, '^see how they run!" 
" Who run ?" demanded the dying general. " The enemy, 
sir, they give way everywhere.'' Giving some orders to the 
officers round him, he exclaimed, " Now I can die in peace." 
These were his last words. Montcalm was mortally wounded 
while endeavoring to rally his flying troops, and died the 
followino- mornino-. 

o o 

41. Preparations were now made for an assault on the 
city, but the garrison were dispirited, and the inhabitants 
clamorous for a surrender. Quebec therefore capitulated 
on the 17th of September, and was taken possession of by 



76 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

the British. The followino; year the French made 

1760. '^ "^ 

an unsuccessful attempt to recapture Quebec, and 
Montreal soon after surrendered to the English forces under 
the commander-in-chief, General Amherst. 

42. The war was now at an end in America, though it 
continued in Europe until the treaty of peace in 
1763, by which France surrendered to Great Britain 
all Canada, Nova Scotia, Cape Breton and adjacent islands, 
and Louisiana to the Mississippi Biver. Of the vast pos- 
sessions France had proudly claimed, she retained only a 
share in the fisheries and two small islands, St. Pierre and 
Miquelon. She also ceded to Spain, New Orleans, and all 
Louisiana west of the Mississippi. 

Questions on Colonial History/ to the end of the French War. — 
1. How far has the history been traced ? 

2. With what nations was England at war ? What is said of 
Deerfield ? What is said of Indian warfare ? 

S. What expedition was fitted out ? What place was captured, 
and what was it named, and why ? 

4. Why did a fleet sail from England ? Where was an army 
assembled ? What disaster occurred ? How was the war ended ? 
What was ceded to the English ? 

5. What was claimed both by France and England ? What 
post was established by the colony of New York ? What did the 
French establish ? 

6. Where was Fort Niagara built ? What was France doing ? 

7. What war broke out in 1744 ? What was done by a body of 
French troops ? 

8. Describe the siege and capture of Louisbourg. Who was the 
general, and of what classes was his army composed ? 

9. What occurred in 1747 ? In 1748 ? 

10. Where was a treaty of peace signed? In what year? 

11. What did the French still continue to do ? 

12. What notice was given by friendly Indians? What did 
they suggest? 



COLONIAL HISTORY. 77 

13. Whom did Governor Dinwiddie send on a mission to the 
French commander ? 

14. Describe Washington's journey. How were the party re- 
ceived at Venango ? 

15. IIow was Washington received at Fort Le Boeuflf ? 

16. What is said of the reply of-the French commander? For 
what purpose was a company sent to the fork of the Ohio ? Who 
commanded the troops sent out ? 

17. By whom were the party at the fork of the Ohio surprised ? 
What did the French then do ? What was the fort named ? 

18. Where did Colonel Washington throw up an intrenchment ? 
Describe the battle. 

19. Why did Washington withdraw his troops ? Where did he 
make a stand ? What was the result ? 

20. Who was sent by the British government to command the 
forces in America ? What expeditions were agreed upon ? 

21. AVhen did General Braddock set out? By whom was he 
joined? What had to be done after leaving Fort Cumberland? 

22. What did Colonel Washington advise ? How was his advice 
received ? What took place ? 

23. Describe the battle. What is said of Washington ? 

24. What is said of Braddock ? How were the regulars saved 
from destruction ? When and where did General Braddock die ? 
What did Colonel Dunbar do ? 

25. Describe the expedition against Nova Scotia. 

26. Where was Fort Edward built Where did General Johnson 
proceed with his troops ? Who marched against him ? Describe 
the battle. What distinguished man fell in the action? What 
fort did Johnson build ? 

27. What causes prevented General Shirley's projected enter- 
prise against Niagara ? By whom was Oswego besieged ? What 
is said of a massacre ? 

28. Describe the siege of Fort William Henry. Wliat were the 
terms of capitulation ? 

29. What did the savages attempt as the garrison marched out ? 
What did Montcalm and his officers do ? Repeat his words. 

30. What is said of the campaign of 1757 ? Who now became 
prime minister ? (See note.) 

7* 



78 HISTORY or THE UNITED STATES. 

31. Who laid siege to Louisbourg? Of what places did the 
English take possession ? 

32. Describe General Abercrombie's assault on Fort Ticondc- 
roga? What officer fell ? Who lost the battle ? Who commanded 
the French ? 

33. By whom was Abercrombie superseded ? Describe the 
expedition of Colonel Bradstreet. 

34. Who marched against Fort Duquesne ? What is said of 
Colonel Washington ? Repeat tlife quotation. 

35. What is said of Major Grant's reconnoitering party? Who 
came to their rescue? As the army approached what did the 
French do ? What was the place named, and what city stands on 
its site ? 

36. Describe General Prideaux's siege of Niagara. What caused 
his death, and who succeeded him ? Why did he send out a 
detachment ? 

37. Describe Amherst's expedition against Ticonderoga and 
Crown Point. 

38. Where did General Wolfe disembark ? Where did he estab- 
lish batteries ? What is said of Montcalm ? What did Wolfe do 
in July ? 

39. Describe Wolfe's further movements. What was done on 
the 13th of September? 

40. Describe Montcalm's attack. What is said of General 
Wolfe ? When informed of the flight of the enemy, what did he 
say ? What is related of Montcalm ? 

41. When did Quebec surrender ? What did the French attempt 
in 1760? What town was surrendered the same year ? 

42. What is said of the war? What was surrendered by the 
treaty of 1763? What did France retain? What did France 
cede to Spain ? 



FROM THE FRENCH WAR TO THE REVOLUTION. 79 



FROM THE FRENCH WAR TO THE REVOLUTION. 

1. The colonists were cono-ratulatino; tliemselves 

1763. '^ ^ 

on peace, when an Indian insurrection broke out. 
The Delawares and Shawnees, with other tribes, were fore- 
most, led by an active warrior named Pontiac. An attack 
was made at a concerted time, on all the posts from Detroit 
to Fort Pitt, The frontiers of Pennsylvania, Maryland, 
and Virginia were laid waste, and a considerable time 
elapsed before the frontier was restored to any degree of 
tranquillity. 

2. The British ministry, on the termination of 
the war with France, determined to maintain a 

large standing army in America, and to tax the colonies for 
its support. They revived and enforced the navigation 
laws, which were ruinous to American commerce, as the 
system closed their ports against foreign vessels; obliged 
them to export their productions to British ports, to import 
European goods from England, and in English ships. 
Parliament now imposed duties on sugar and other West 
Indian products imported into the colonies. 

3. The colonists sent agents to Eno-land to re- 

ITGS. . , . ^ 

monstrate against these impositions, but without 
avail ; for now the Stamp Act was brought forward by the 
ministry, and passed by Parliament. This act required 
that all notes, bonds, and other legal instruments should be 
executed on stamped paper, which should pay a duty to the 
crown. '' Unless stamps were used, marriages would be 
null, notes of hand valueless, ships at sea prizes to the first 



80 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

captors, suits at law impossible, transfers of real estate 
invalid, inheritances irreclaimable."* 

4. The authors of the Stamp Act never dreamed of the 
furious opposition which awaited their favorite measure in 
the colonies. The day on which the "Act" was to go into 
operation was ushered in with tolling of bells, and other 
signs of mourning. The stamp officers were resisted, or 
burnt in effigy, and, by common consent, not a single stamp 
was used in one of the colonies. The merchants of New 
York, Philadelphia, and Boston resolved to import no more 
British manufactures, unless the Stamp Act should be 
repealed. 

5. The next year a chan2:e took place in the 

1166. , "^ tD f 

British ministry, and the Stamp Act was repealed, 
to the great joy of the colonists. There was, however, a 
clause in the repeal, which declared that the king, with the 
consent of Parliament, had the power and authority to make 
laws of sufficient force and validity to " bind the colonies, 
and people of America, in all cases whatsoever." 

6. The discontent of the colonists was excited 

1767. 

by other Acts of Parliament. One imposed duties 
on glass, red and white lead, painters' colors, pasteboard, 
and tea, and declared an American revenue expedient. 
Another act authorized naval officers to enforce the naviga- 
tion laws. These and other oppressive laws were resisted 
by the colonies as subversive of their charters, and a viola- 
tion of the principles of constitutional liberty. 

7. The General Court of Massachusetts sent a circular to 
other colonial assemblies, to unite with them in measures 
of redress. The governors of these colonies then dissolved 

* Bancroft. 



FROM THE FRENCH WAR TO THE REVOLUTION. 81 

these legislatures, and thus increased the excitement. A 
petition to the governor of Massachusetts, to convene the 
legislature, having been rejected, the inhabitants of Boston 
assembled in " town meeting/' and voted to forbear the use 
and importation of British goods, while the tax remained 
in force. 

8. The British government found that the colo- 
nists remained true to their principles, in spite of 
threats and coercive measures. Taxation without being 
represented in the affairs of the government, was an en- 
croachment they would not submit to. They were deter- 
mined to withstand all efforts on the part of the ministry 
having a tendency to abridge their freedom. The ministry, 
on the other hand, determined to apply the strong hand of 
power in compelling obedience. Accordingly, in September, 
a squadron, with two regiments of soldiers and artillery, 
appeared in Boston harbor. 

9. On the 1st of October the troops were landed, and 
paraded through the town. Some of the troops were en- 
camped on the Common, others were quartered in the State 
House, and a portion in Faneuil Hall. The inhabitants 
refused to furnish quarters, and the approach of winter 
obliged the governor to hire houses for the soldiers' winter 
lodgings. 

10. For more than a year the troops in Boston 

1769. . , , . . ., 1 .1 • • ^ i? it, 

remained m mactivity, and the ministers oi the 
British crown did nothing to satisfy the demands of the 
colonists. But the people were everywhere active and 
untiring. Every colony gave its direct approval of the 
course of Massachusetts, and its determination to resist 
tyranny. 

11. Disturbances now frequently occurred between the 



82 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

citizens and soldiers. On the 5tli of Marcli a 
conflict ensued, when the soldiers' fired on the 
inhabitants, killed three, and wounded eight others, two of 
them mortally. The Boston Massacre added another link 
to the chain of grievances which already oppressed a loyal 
and confiding nation. Parliament now repealed the taxes 
on glass, paper, painters' colors, and everything except tea. 
The king's friends retained that duty rather to assert a 
claim to tax America, than from any prospect of a lucrative 
revenue. But in America the obnoxious principle still 
existed, and the people refused to use the taxed article. 
No tea was therefore imported. 

12. The East India Company now made prepa- 
rations to send large cargoes of tea to America. 

Philadelphia began the work of preventing its landing. 
Its inhabitants denied the right of Parliament to tax Ame- 
rica, condemned the duty on tea, and declared every one 
who favored the tax an enemy to his country, and requested 
the agents of the East India Company to resign. The 
people of New York resolved the tea should not be landed. 
The people of Boston passed similar resolutions, and re- 
quested the consignees to send the ships back. But they 
equivocated, and hoped to gain by delay. The custom- 
house refused a clearance, the governor refused his permis- 
sion, and the people prepared for the struggle. On the 
night of the 6th of December, a band of men disguised as 
Indians took possession of the three tea ships at the wharf, 
broke open the chests, and emptied the contents into the 
bay, without any injury to the vessels. 

13. The e^eneral opposition in America to the 
principle of taxation, had embittered the king and 

ministry against all the colonies ; but this last bold act con- 



FROM THE FRENCH WAR TO THE REVOLUTION. 83 

centrated all their wrath on the devoted town of 

1774. 

Boston. An act was passed (called the Boston 
Port Bill) by which all lading and unlading of goods should 
cease in the town and harbor, on and after the 4th day of 
June, and the collection of customs be transferred to Salem. 
Another act decreed that all judges and magistrates should 
be appointed by the king. It was also enacted, that any 
person indicted for crimes might be sent to another colony, 
or to Great Britain, for trial. 

14. These oppressive acts of the British ministry served 
but to strengthen the bonds of union throughout the colo- 
nies. It was resolved to hold a general congress of the 
different provinces. This body assembled in Philadelphia 
on the 5th of September. It was composed of fifty-five 
delegates, representing all the colonies except Georgia. 
They adopted a series of resolutions, as a " declaration of 
colonial rights," in which were enumerated their natural 
rights to the enjoyment of life, liberty, and property, and 
their rights as British subjects. They also agreed to enter 
into a non-importation, non-consumption, and non-exporta- 
tion agreement, and they sent an address to the king, 
another to the people of Great Britain, and a memorial to 
the inhabitants of British America. Having finished their 
labors, they adjourned on the 26th of October. 

15. In order to enforce the obnoxious laws, and intimi- 
date the people of Massachusetts, Genei;al Gage had been 
appointed military governor, and he occupied Boston with 
an army, to compel obedience. But he had no power 
beyond the town. The colonists were firm in their de- 
termination to resist the arbitrary decrees of king and 
parliament, and they were everywhere arming and pre- 
paring for the expected contest. The power of Great 



84 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

Britain was at an end, and the united colonies 

1774:. ' 

were then on the eve of becoming free and inde- 
pendent, in consequence of the unwise and unjust policy 
of what was then regarded as the mother country. 

Questions on Colonial History from the French War to the Revolu- 
tion. — 1. What Indian tribes made war? Who was their leader? 
What colonies suifered most? 

2. What was determined by the British ministry ? What re- 
strictions were imposed by the navigation laws ? What duties 
were imposed ? 

3. What act was passed in 1765 ? What was required by this 
act ? Recite the quotation. 

4. How was the Stamp Act received in the colonies? What 
was done by the merchants ? 

5. What was done the next year ? What clause was contained 
in the repeal ? 

6. What duties were imposed in 1767 ? What other act gave 
offence ? 

7. What was voted by the inhabitants of Boston ? 

8. What measure did the colonists refuse to submit to ? What 
did the ministry do? 

9. When and where were troops landed ? 

10. What is now said of the people ? 

11. What took place on the 5th of March ? What was done by 
Parliament? What is said of tea? 

12. What did Philadelphia do to prevent the landing of tea? 
New York ? Boston ? 

13. What was enacted by the Boston Port Bill? What other 
acts were passed ? 

14. When and where did the first general congress meet? 
What did they adopt ? What was agreed upon ? When did they 
adjourn ? 

15 Who was appointed military governor of Massachusetts? 
Why was he sent? What were the colouisis doing? 



THE REVOLUTION. 85 



THE REVOLUTION. 

1. The people of tlie colonies had failed in 
1715. ^ ^ .... . . 

every attempt at conciliation ; their petitions were 

gpurned, and their remonstrances disregarded, and now 
there seemed to be no resource left them but an appeal to 
arms. Preparations were made on both sides for approach- 
ing hostilities, but nothing decisive occurred until the 19 th 
of April. General Gage determined to surprise and destroy 
the magazine of military stores at Concord, about eighteen 
miles from Boston. 

2. For this purpose a body of troops was despatched, in 
the silence and secrecy of night, under command of Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel Smith, and took the road to Concord. But, 
though General Gage used every precaution to conceal this 
expedition from the inhabitants, and issued strict orders 
that none should leave the town, yet messengers were sent 
out, and signals given to alarm the country. When the 
advanced party arrived at Lexington, they found about 
seventy persons in arms, drawn up in two ranks, on the 
village green, near the church. 

3. Major Pitcairn rode in front, and cried out, " Disperse, 
you rebels, throw down your arms, and disperse !" He then 
discharged his pistol, and gave orders to his men to fire. 
The order was immediately followed by a destructive five 
of musketry. The British then proceeded to Concord, and 
destroyed the military stores which the colonists had not 
previously removed. While thus engaged, the inhabitantvS 
of the neighboring towns were hastening to join the Concord 
militia. 



86 



HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 




MAJOR PITCAIKN AT LEXINGTON. 



l-TTS. 



4. Colonel Smith now made preparations for his 
retrograde march to Boston, and the Americans 
for a galling fire, which was kept up until they reached 
Lexington. Here Lord Percy, with a large detachment, 
came to the relief of the exhausted troops, and, after a 
short interval for rest and refreshment, continued the re- 
treat. The firing was renewed by the pursuers until the 
British reached Charlestown Common, when General Heath, 
who had taken the command, brought the provincials to a 
halt. In this memorable battle the British loss was two 
hundred and seventy-three, in killed, wounded, and missing, 
while that of the Americans was eighty-eight. 

5. The cry of the blood shed at Lexington and Concord 
went through the whole land, and multitudes hastened to 
the relief of their brethren of Massachusetts. General 
Gage and his army were closely besieged in Boston, and 
every avenue to the surrounding country was strictly guarded. 
When the news reached Georgia, that colony joined tho 



THE REVOLUTION. 87 

,««,^ union, thus making thirteen colonies joined to 
resist the oppressions of the British government. 

6. As war was now considered inevitable, it was resolved 
to surprise the old forts of Ticonderoga and Crown Point, 
which commanded the approach to Canada. A party of 
men enlisted for this purpose, under the command of Colonel 
Ethan Allen, who arrived at Ticonderoga on the morning 
of the 10th of May. Guided by a boy of the neighborhood, 
they l-ushed through a sally port-hole, and gave three cheers, 
which roused up the sleeping garrison. The commander 
appeared at his door, and asked Allen by what authority 
he acted. ^' In the name of the great Jehovah, and the 
Continental Congress,^' exclaimed Allen. The fort was 
immediately surrendered. 

7. Colonel Warner, second in command to Allen, was 
sent against Crown Point, which surrendered without re- 
sistance. A detachment took possession of Skenesborough, 
now Whitehall, and captured a schooner. Colonel Benedict 
Arnold was sent in this schooner to capture St. John's, which 
he effected, and took a sloop of war, with two brass six- 
pounders and seven men. Thus did this band of patriots 
gain the command of Lakes George and Champlain, and 
open the great highway into Canada. 

8. On the 10th of May, but a few hours after the sur- 
render of Ticonderoga, the Continental Congress again met 
in Philadelphia. They elected Peyton Randolph president, 
but that gentleman being obliged to return to Virginia, 
John Hancock, of Massachusetts, was selected to succeed 
him. A federal union was formed, vesting in Congress the 
power of making peace or war, of entering into treaties and 
alliances, and of legislating on all such matters as regarded 
the general security and welfare, and George Washington 
was elected commander-in-chief. 



88 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

9. While Cons-ress was in session, OTeat events 

1775. ... .... 

were transpiring in Boston and its vicinity. On 
the 2.5th of May several transports and ships of war arrived 
from England, bringing large reinforcements under Generals 
Howe, Biirgoyne, and Clinton. General Gage now deter- 
mined to take the field, and dislodge the Americans who 
were besieging the royal army in Boston. But the pro- 
vincials, anticipating such a movement, sent out a force to 
throw up an intrenchment on Bunker Hill. On the iiight 
of the 16th of June, the party, under command of Colonel 
Prescott, set out in fulfilment of this duty, but finding that 
Breed's Hill was nearer to Boston, and had a better com- 
mand of the town and shipping, it was determined to fortify 
that position instead of Bunker Hill. 

10, Early on next morning the British beheld the Ame- 
ricans at their work, and commenced firing upon them. 
As nothing was eff'ected by this cannonade, a large detach- 
ment under command of Major-General Howe was sent to 
dislodge the provincials. The enemy advanced in two 
columns, discharging a heavy fire of musketry, but, in 
obedience to General Putnam's orders, the Americans re- 
served their fire till the enemy were within thirty paces. 
When the British came within the prescribed distance, a 
deadly fire was poured upon them from muskets, rifles, and 
fowling-pieces. The enemy were thrown into confusion, 
and precipitately retreated. 

11. The British now prepared for a second attack. 
Charlestown was set on fire, and wrapped in a general 
conflagration, while the enemy ascended the hill to storm 
the redoubt. They were received as before ; whole ranks 
cut down by the destructive fire of the provincials, and 
again compelled to retreat. They now made their third 
attack, when, the ammunition of the provincials being 



THE REVOLUTION. 89 

expended, Colonel Prescott gave tlie order to re- 

1775. '■ ' f . '^ 

treat, which they did in good order. The British 
now gained the redoubt, to them a dear-bought victory. 
Major Pitcairn fell, mortally wounded, as he was entering 
the works, and the enemy's total loss was one thousand and 
fifty-four, including many officers. The American loss was 
four hundred and fifty, among whom was General Warren, 
cue of the noblest and purest minded patriots. 

12. After General Washington's appointment to the chief 
command, he set out for Massachusetts. On his way, in- 
telligence met him of the battle of Bunker Hill, and the 
noble stand made by the inexperienced militia. On the 3d 
of July he took formal command of the army at Cambridge. 
Here he found a body of raw militia, totally inadequate to 
carry on a siege, and sadly deficient in clothing and military 
supplies. He now urged on Congress the necessity of 
supplies, took measures to strengthen the fortifications 
around Boston, and improve and perfect the discipline 
of his army. 

13. Preparations were made for the invasion of Canada. 
Arnold, who had assisted in the capture of Ticonderoga, was 
sent with a body of troops, and, after a toilsome march 
through the wilderness, arrived at Point Levi, near Quebec, 
which he could at once have captured had he been able to 
cross the river. When he did so, and drew up his army on 
the Heights of Abraham, the garrison was strongly rein- 
forced. Arnold, therefore, was obliged to withdraw, and 
wait for the main body of the army. 

14. The other expedition was conducted by General 
Schuyler, who had sent out a reconnoitering party under 
Colonel Allen and Major Brown. The former, with a small 
force, attempted the capture of Montreal, but they were 
repulsed, made prisoners, and treated as rebels and outlaws, 



90 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

unworthy of the courtesy shown to prisoners of 
war. Colonel Allen himself was loaded with 

irons, and sent to England, where he endured a rigorous 

captivity. 

15. General Schuyler was now attacked with serious ill- 
ness, and the expedition was conducted by Montgomery, 
the second in command. He pressed on and laid siege to 
St. John's, on the Sorel River, sending a detachment to 
Fort Chamblie, which was captured, with a quantity of 
powder and other military stores. The garrison of St. 
John's, hard pressed, and obtaining no relief, was obliged 
to surrender, and Montgomery proceeded to Montreal, which, 
unprepared for defence, immediately submitted. 

16. Montgomery now placed garrisons in Montreal and 
the captured forts, and, with such of his troops as he could 
persuade to accompany him, proceeded down the St. Law- 
rence to co-operate with Arnold in the attack on Quebec. 
Their united forces did not exceed nine hundred men, with 
whom they commenced the siege ; but being unable to make 
a breach in the walls, an assault was determined on. Before 
daylight on the 31st of December, in the midst of a driving 
snow-storm, attacks were made on the opposite sides of the 
lower town by Montgomery and Arnold. Montgomery 
advanced along a narrow beach on the river to a f)icket and 
block-house, both of which were deserted on his approach. 
He now paused a moment to urge on his troops, who were 
stumbling along the difficult pass, exclaiming, " Quebec is 
ours.'^ He again advanced, until, within forty paces of the 
battery, a single cannon, loaded with grape-shot, was dis- 
charged, and the brave general and one of his aids were 
killed on the spot. 

17. The soldiers, on the death of their commander, re- 
treated in confusion, and abandoned their half-won battle- 



THE REVOLUTION. 91 

^^^ field. Arnold, on the other side, had entered the 

1775. ' ' 

town, but was severely wounded when near a 
battery, and was carried oflF. Captain Morgan took the 
command, and stormed the battery. But the death of 
Montgomery and retreat of his troops enabled the English 
to send large reinforcements, and a severe contest followed, 
when Morgan and his gallant band were compelled to sur- 
render as prisoners of war. 

18. Arnold, with the remainder of the army, retired to a 
short distance from Quebec, and maintained his position, 
giving constant alarm to its garrison. For his gallant 
services Congress promoted him to the rank of brigadier- 
general. 

19. The events of this year, and the popular rising of an 
outraged people, put an end to the authority of the royal 
governors. Lord Dunmore, of Virginia, removed the powder 
from the magazine at Williamsburg to an English vessel 
of war. The indignation of the people was aroused, and 
they demanded immediate restoration of the powder. The 
governor saw that resistance was useless, and paid over to 
Patrick Henry, who had the chief command, the full value 
of the abstracted powder. Soon after, Dunmore left the 
colony, and, with his family, went on board a British man- 
of-war. From this vessel he frequently landed detachments 
to attack different points, and offered freedom to all slaves 
who would join his standard. Norfolk was attacked and 
burned, after which atrocious act he left the colony, and 
the governors of North Carolina, South Carolina, and New 
York soon after fled from their respective governments. 

Questions on the Revolution, Events of 1775. — 1. How had the 
colonists been treated ? What was determined by General Gage ? 

2. Who commanded the expedition? What did they find at 
Lexington ? 



92 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

3. What did Major Pitcairn say ? What was done by the troops 
at Lexington ? At Concord ? 

4. What occurred on their return ? Who came to their relief ? 
What losses were sustained ? 

5. What effect was produced by the news of this battle ? What 
did Georgia now do ? 

6. Who captured Fort Ticonderoga ? 

7. What was captured by Colonel Warner ? By Colonel Bene- 
dict Arnold ? 

8. When was the second meeting of Congress ? What powers 
were vested in Congress by the Federal Union ? Who was ap- 
pointed commander-in-chief? 

9. Who was besieged in Boston ? What British generals ar- 
rived with reinforcements ? What height was fortified by the 
Americans ? 

10. What was done by the British on the following morning ? 
Who marched against the American intrenchments ? Who com- 
manded the Americans ? What was the result of the first 
attack ? 

11. What town was burned ? What was the result of the second 
attack ? The third attack ? What British officer was killed, and 
what was the total loss ? What was the American loss ? What is 
said of General Warren ? 

12. When and where did General Washington take command 
of the army ? In what was it deficient ? 

13. What is said of Arnold's expedition to Canada? 

14. By whom was the other expedition conducted ? Who were 
taken prisoners, and how were they treated ? What was done 
with Colonel Allen ? 

15. Why did the expedition devolve on Montgomery ? What 
places were captured ? 

16. With whom did Montgomery unite his forces? What place 
did they besiege ? Describe the assault of Quebec. Describe 
Montgomery's advance, and give an account of his death. 

17. What happened to Arnold? What was done by Captain 
Morgan ? Why was he defeated ? 

18. What did Arnold do with the remaining troops ? What 
rank did Congress confer on him ? 



THE REVOLUTION. 93 

]9. Wh.at is said of Lord Dunmore ? Who demanded restitution 
of the powder he had taken ? What town was burned by his 
orders ? What other governors fled from the colonies ? 



EVENTS OF 1776. 
1. The sieo;e of Boston continued throufih the 

1776. . . * . . ^ . 

winter, during which nothing occurred of special 
interest. On the night of March 2d, a cannonade was 
commenced, which was kept up until the 4th, when General 
Thomas, with a detachment, threw up two forts on Dor- 
chester Heio'hts durino- the darkness of the ni(>;ht. At 
daybreak the next morning the British beheld these for- 
midable batteries looming up before their astonished gaze. 

2. The following night a body of troops embarked to 
attack the American works, but a furious storm prevented 
the landing of the transports, and the attempt was relin^ 
quished. It was therefore determined to evacuate the town, 
which was done on the 17th, the troops embarking, and the 
ships leaving the harbor, without being molested by the 
Americans. General Washington, with his army, marched 
into the town the same day, to the great joy of the inhabit- 
ants, and soon after, with the principal part of the army, 
proceeded to New York, which he supposed would be the 
next point of attack by the enemy. 

3. General Thomas, who had been sent to the relief of 
the army in Canada, took command of the troops at Quebec 
about the last of April. But the garrison had been rein- 
forced, and the Americans enfeebled by disease and priva- 
tions. In this condition they were attacked by General 
Carleton, and obliged to retreat, with the loss of their 
artillery and baggage. The prisoners were, however, treated 



94 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

witli ffreat liumanity, and tlic sick taken to tlie 

1776. ° . 

hospitals, and liberated on their recovery. General 
Thomas continued his retreat to the mouth of the Sorel, 
where he was reinforced. But soon after his arrival he was 
taken ill with the small-pox, and died on the 2d of June. 
Greneral Sullivan succeelded to the command, hut was unable 
to compete with the greatly strengthened force of the enemy. 
The Americans retreated from post to post, and finally 
evacuated Canada on the 18th of June. 

4. While these events were transpiring in Canada, Sir 
Henry Clinton, with a powerful armament, and assisted by 
a fleet under command of Sir Peter Parker, made an attack 
on Charleston, South Carolina, June 28th. General Lee 
had been sent to the defence of the city. When the fleet 
came abreast of Sullivan's Island, a fire was opened from a 
fort newly erected, which did terrible execution ; the ships 
were disabled, and withdrew from the contest. In honor 
of its gallant defender, the post was called Fort Moultrie. 

5. At this time Congress had under discussion the greatest 
question ever debated in America. The colonies had asked 
for justice, and had been treated with contempt, their rights 
disregarded, their liberties trampled on, their towns burned, 
and their people slaughtered. It was therefore resolved in 
Congress, " that these united colonies are, and of right ought 
to be, free and independent states." The Declaration of 
Independence was announced to the people on the 4th of 
July, causing general joy and gratulation. 

6. General Howe, with the army that had evacuated 
Boston, took possession of Staten Island on the 2d of July, 
and on the 12th was joined by his brother, Admiral Lord 
Howe, with an army of British and Hessians. He was 
soon after reinforced by the arrival of Sir Henry Clinton, 
accompanied by Lord Cornwallis and three thousand troops. 



THE REVOLUTION. 95 

Gr«neral Greene was stationed at Brooklyn with a 

1776. . "^ 

considerable force, as it was supposed tlie enemy 
intended to march across Long Island for the attack on 
New York. 

7. Some distance east of Brooklyn is a range of hills, 
then thickly covered with woods. Through these^ three 
passes extended, which General Greene had intended to 
have guarded and occupied, but in the midst of his arduous 
duties, he was taken ill with a raging fever, and the tempo- 
rary command devolved on General Sullivan. The enemy 
landed on the 22d, and advanced on the American lines. 
Washington crossed over to Brooklyn, and finding a want 
of order in the camp, and the absence of proper discipline, 
he gave the command of Long Island to General Putnam. 
He himself retained the command at New York, not know- 
ing when it might be attacked by the enemy's ships of war. 

8. About nine o'clock in the morning of the 27th, Sir 
Henry Clinton, with a large force, marched through by- 
roads, and silently and early next morning moved through 
the Bedford pass, which had been left unguarded. On the 
right a large force gained possession of the heights, and 
thus the Americans were almost surrounded, and placed 
between two fires. Some broke through the enemy's lines, 
but many were killed or taken prisoners. Among the latter 
were Generals Sullivan and Stirling. Washington was 
unable to prevent this catastrophe. He now expected that 
the enemy, flushed with victory, would storm the works, and 
prepared for a desperate defence. But the British general 
was unwilling to risk the loss of life which would ensue in 
such an attack. He therefore withdrew his men out of the 
reach of musketry, and encamped for the night. 

9. The next day the British troops encamped in front 
of the American lines, but nothing was attempted. On 



96 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

the 29th, it appeared evident that the fleet would 
co-operate with the army in surrounding the Ame- 
ricans. Washington therefore procured boats, and in the 
night silently crossed the East River with all his troops, 
artillery, and stores, landing them safely in New York. To 
the astonishment of the British, on the morning of the oOth 
not an American soldier remained in Brooklyn. 

10. In a council of officers it was thought advisable to 
abandon the city, and accordingly the main army withdrew 
to the rocky heights in the northern part of New York, or 
Manhattan Island. Here a fortification was thrown up on 
Harlem Heights. On the 15th of September a strong 
detachment of the British crossed the East River without 
much opposition. A skirmish took place on Harlem Plains, 
in which the Americans were victorious. But the British 
were arriving in great numbers, and the Americans aban- 
doned their works on New York Island, with the exception 
of Fort Washington, and proceeded to White Plains. Hero 
a battle ensued on the 28th of October, when the Ameri- 
cans, being outnumbered, were obliged to retreat to their 
intrenchments. 

11. Duriog the night the fortifications were strengthened, 
in expectation of an attack the following day. But ^General 
Howe, when he perceived the strengthened works of the 
Americans, postponed his meditated assault, and threw up 
lines and redoubts in front of the American camp, as if 
preparing to cannonade it. On the night of the 31st, 
Washington retired with his main army to the rocky hills 
of Northcastle, and soon after the whole British army left 
White Plains. 

12. On the 12th of November Washington crossed the 

* Irving's Life of Washington, Vol. II., p. 395. 



THE REVOLUTION. 97 

Hudson, leavino- General Lee in command of the 

1776. ° 

troops at Nortlicastle. Soon after, Fort Washing- 
ton was assaulted, and, after a brave resistance, the garrison 
compelled to surrender. Fort Lee was abandoned, and 
Washington, with his dispirited and diminished army, 
successively retreated through Newark, New Brunswick, 
Princeton, Trenton, and finally to Pennsylvania, closely 
pursued by the British to the banks of the Delaware. 

13. General Lee had been directed by the commander- 
in-chief to leave his post, and march to his assistance. But 
it was not until the 4th of December that he crossed the 
Hudson, and then marched in the slowest manner, though 
apprised of the peril of Washington and his army. Finally 
he was surprised and made prisoner by a body of British 
cavalry, and his command devolved on General Sullivan, 
who immediately marched to the relief of General Wash- 
ington. 

14. Congress had adjourned to Baltimore, in consequence 
of the approach of the enemy. The British troops were 
scattered through the different towns in New Jersey, and their 
commander supposed that the campaign was ended. But 
on the night of the 25th of December, Washington crossed 
the Delaware, eight miles above Trenton, and early the next 
morning attacked the Hessians, who were totally unprepared 
for the assault. Colonel Rahl was mortally wounded, and 
nearly a thousand were made prisoners. 

15. The prisoners were now transported across the Dela- 
ware, and moved on from town to town, until they reached 
Winchester, in Virginia. With great es:ertion, Washington 
induced the troops whose term of enlistment had expired 
to continue in the army. Hard money was needed, and 
Kobert Morris, of Philadelphia, obtained the required loan, 
and sent it to camp. Congress invested Washington with 

9 



98 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

^^^liiiiited military power, and having rested and 

recruited his army, he again crossed the Delaware 

on the 30th of December, and posted his troops in Trenton, 

while the British and Hessians were stationed at Princeton, 

ten miles distant. 

Questions on the Events of 1776. — 1. What is said of the siege 
of Boston? What took place on the night of March 2d? What 
was done by General Thomas ? 

2. What was done by the British on the following night ? What 
prevented the attack ? When was the town evacuated ? What did 
General Washington do ? 

3. When did General Thomas take command of the army in 
Canada ? By whom were they attacked ? To what place did 
General Thomas retreat, and when did he die ? Who succeeded 
him ? When did the Americans evacuate Canada ? 

4. By whom was an attack made on Charleston ? Who had 
been sent to defend the city? What took place at Sullivan's 
Island ? What was the fort named, and why ? 

5. What was resolved in Congress ? When was the Declaration 
of Independence announced to the people ? 

6. Wliat did General Howe do on the 2d of July ? By whom 
was he joined? By whom reinforced? Where was General 
Greene ? 

7. When did the enemy land ? On whom did Washington con- 
fer the command of Long Island ? W^hat command did he retain ? 

8. Describe Sir Henry Clinton's advance. The British forces 
on the right. Between what were the Americans ? What generals 
were taken prisoners ? 

9. What was done by the British the following day ? What 
was done by Washington on the 29th ? 

10. Did the American army remain in New York ? Where did 
they throw up a fortification ? What took place here ? Where 
did the army now go ? When and where did a battle take place ? 

11. What did General Howe do on perceiving the strong fortifi- 
cations at White Plains? What did Washington do on the 31st? 

12. Describe Washington's movements of the 12th of November. 



THE REVOLUTIOX. 99 

What fort was captured ? What abandoned ? Where did Wash- 
ington successively retreat? 

13. What orders were given to General Lee ? What misfortune 
happened ? On whom did his command devolve ? 

14. To what place did Congress adjourn ? What did Washington 
do on the night of December 25th ? What battle took place on 
the 2Gth ? Give the result of the battle. 

15. What was done with the prisoners ? What power was con- 
fei-red on Washington ? What did he do on the 30th of December ? 
Where were the British and Hessians ? 



EVENTS OF 1777. 
1. The commencement of the new year found 

1777. "^ 

Washington at Trenton, where he was joined by 
the troops under Grenerals Mifflin and Cadwalader. Towards 
evening of the 2d, Cornwallis, with a strong force from 
Princeton, attacked him. The two armies were on opposite 
sides of a stream which flows through Trenton, and which 
the enemy made repeated attempts to cross. Cornwallis 
felt sure of capturing the American army the next day, 
and desisted for the night. But at midnight Washington 
marched with his army by a circuitous route, unperceived 
and unsuspected by the enemy. Next morning he was at 
Princeton, where an engagement took place between some 
British regiments on the way to Trenton, and the advancing 
Americans. The battle was sharp, but soon decided in 
favor of the latter. The British lost one hundred in killed, 
and three hundred prisoners. The American loss was about 
thirty men and several ofiicers, among the latter of whom 
was the brave General Mercer. 

2. Cornwallis, who had heard the American cannon, 
supposed at first that it was thunder ; * but being soon 



100 



HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 




FALL OF GENERAL MERCER. 



undeceived, marched at once on Princeton. But 
he arrived too late. The battle was over, and 
Washington, with his army, was on his way to New Bruns- 
wick, to capture the military stores of the British. But 
the enemy was fast approaching in strong force, and the 
Americans were so exhausted, that it was deemed expedient 
to abandon the design, and retreat to the hills of East 
Jersey. ^Accordingly, Washington established his winter 
quarters at Morristown, whence he sent out detachments 
to harass the enemy and keep them in a state of siege in 
their quarters at New Brunswick. 

3. The two armies occupied these respective positions 
until the latter end of May. In the mean time small 
detachments were sent out from several points. The prin- 
cipal enterprise was directed against Danbury, Connecticut, 
led by Governor Tryon, at the head of two thousand troops 
(April 26th). The town was burned, a great quantity of 
stores belonging to the Americans destroyed, and the iuhab- 



THE REVOLUTION. 



101 



ITTT. 



itants cruelly treated. Perceiving the militia as- 
sembling, they retreated, but were attacked, and 
a severe skirmish ensued. The militia were under the 
command of Generals SiUiman, Wooster, and Arnold. 
Wooster was mortally wounded in the action, and Arnold 
narrowly escaped, but General Silliman harassed the enemy 
all the way to the coast. 

4. This destructive expedition was soon after retaliated 
for by Colonel Meigs, who, accompanied by one hundred and 
seventy men, crossed Long Island Sound, and attacked the 
enemy at Sag Harbor, near the eastern end of Long Island. 
They burned the British vessels, destroyed the storehouses 
and their contents, took ninety prisoners, and returned to 
Guilford, without the loss of a man of their party. 

5. Towards the end of May, Washington broke up his 
cantonments at Morristown, and encamped at Middlebrook. 
His army numbered a little over seven thousand men, who 
were now posted in a strong position. On the 12th of June, 
Sir William Howe left New York, and set up his head- 
quarters at New Brunswick. Here he endeavored to bring 
on a general engagement by a number of feigned movements. 
But the American general wisely remained at Middlebrook, 
and General Howe, unable to provoke him to a general 
action, suddenly withdrew his troops to Staten Island, and 
left New Jersey in possession of the Americans. 

6. General Burgoyne, with a large army, now left St. 
John's, in Canada (June 16th), for the purpose of effecting 
a junction with General Howe at New York. He sent out 
a detachment under Colonel St. Leger, who was to land at 
Oswe-o, ravage the valley of the Mohawk, and join the 
main°army at Albany. On the^st of July he arrived at 
Ticonderoga, which was garrisoned by three thousand men 
under General St. Clair, who, finding his position untenable, 



102 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

abandoned the fort, and, with the army, set forward 
on the Vermont side of the lake towards Hubbardton. 
His stores, and a portion of his troops, with the wounded, 
were sent in boats to Skenesborough (now Whitehall). 

7. The flight of the Americans was unfortunately re- 
vealed to the British by the Hght of a burning house, and 
a pursuit was imnlediately commenced. The flotilla was 
overtaken and destroyed, and the main army routed, with a 
loss of more than three hundred men. *" On the 12th, 
St. Clair reached Fort Edward, with his troops haggard and 
exhausted by their long retreat." While these afi'airs were 
transpiring in the north, General Prescott, who commanded 
the British forces in Rhode Island, was surprised and cap- 
tured by Colonel Barton, at the head of forty men. He 
was retained for some time a prisoner, and afterwards 
exchanged for General Lee. 

8. The progress of Burgoyne with his army was very 
slow, in consequence of the obstructions placed in his way 
by General Schuyler, and he did not reach Fort Edward 
until the 30th of July. At his approach General Schuyler 
retired, and took post at Fort Miller, lower down the Hud- 
son, then at Stillwater, and finally at the mouth of the 
Mohawk. In the mean time Colonel St. Leger was besieg- 
ing Fort Schuyler, at the head of the navigable waters of 
the Mohawk. General Herkimer, with a force of militia, 
marched to the relief of the garrison, but was met at 
Oriskany by a detachment of tories and Indians. A fierce 
battle ensued, and General Herkimer, with four hundred 
men, was killed. 

9. Arnold soon after advanced to the relief of the be- 
sieged, and, by sending out exaggerated reports of his 

* Irving's Life of Washington, Vol. III., p. 117. 



THE REVOLUTION. 103 

forces, he so terrified the Indians, that they fled, 

1777. . . . 

and St. Leger was obliged to raise the siege. 
General Burgoyne now sent out an expedition under Colo- 
nel Baum against Bennington, for the purpose of seizing 
on the stores which the Americans had collected. This 
detachment was met near Bennington by a large body of 
New Hampshire militia, under General Stark. Colonel 
Baum was killed and his party routed. A reinforcement 
of the enemy, under Colonel Breyman, arrived at Benning- 
ton after the battle, who were attacked by Colonel Warner, 
and defeated. The British loss was seven hundred, gene- 
rally prisoners (August 16th). 

10. General Washington was so well convinced that it 
was the intention of General Howe to form a junction with 
Burgoyne, that he advanced with the main army towards 
the Hudson. On the 23d of July the British fleet put out 
to sea, and a number of circumstances led Washington to 
the belief that its destination was Philadelphia, and he set 
out with his army to the Delaware. On his way he was 
informed that the fleet had appeared off the capes, and he 
immediately marched to Philadelphia. Soon after, the 
British fleet sailed up the Chesapeake, and the army landed 
near Elkton, and marched towards Philadelphia. Wash- 
ington took a stand at *Chad's Ford, on Brandywine Creek, 
where he was attacked by the British (September 11th). 
The battle lasted through the day, and towards night the 
Americans were obliged to retreat to Chester, where they 
rested, and the next day retreated to Philadelphia. Con- 
gress adjourned to Lancaster, and afterwards to York. 

11. In this battle a number of distinguished foreigners 

^ Chad's Ford, on Bi-andywine Creek, is in Chester county, 
Pennsylvania. 



104 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

were engaged. The Marquis La Fayette served 
as a volunteer, and was severely wounded. Count 
Pulaski, a Polish nobleman, and General Conway, acquitted 
themselves with great credit. The American loss in this 
disastrous battle was, in killed, wounded, and prisoners, 
twelve hundred, and the British near eight hundred. 

12. As soon as Washington's troops were rested, he 
crossed the Schuylkill to oppose General Howe. The two 
armies met and skirmishing ensued, but a heavy rain pre- 
vented a general battle, and the American troops withdrew. 
General Wayne, who had been sent to watch the movements 
of the enemy, was attacked in the night at Paoli, and three 
hundred of his men were killed. General Howe, by a 
sudden movement, crossed the Schuylkill, and encamped 
his army at Germantown, from which place he sent Lord 
Cornwallis, with a large detachment, to take possession of 
Philadelphia. That general marched into the city on the 
26th of September, with a brilliant staff and escort, and 
followed by some of the finest troops in the British army ; 
strongly contrasting with the poor and ill-clothed, but 
determined patriots. 

13. General Schuyler continued his active career as 
chief of the northern army until the arrival of General 
Gates, who had been appointed the commander, Burgoyne 
was in a distressed condition. His Indian allies had 
deserted him, and he found great difiiculty in obtaining 
provisions. He now crossed the Hudson, and posted his 
army at Saratoga. The American general was at Stillwater, 
and had fortified Bemis' Heights, in the vicinity. On the 
19th of September a battle commenced at three o'clock in 
the afternoon, and continued till night, when the Americans 
retired to their camp, and the British remained on the 
battle-field. Both armies claimed the victory. 



THE REVOLUTION. 105 

14. On the 7tli of October, General Burgoyne 
commenced an attack on the American lines. 
Colonel Morgan, with his riflemen, was sent to gain posses- 
sion of the' heights to the right of the enemy, while Greneral 
Poor, with his brigade, attacked the left. In the midst of 
the action Arnold sallied forth, and, putting himself at the 
head of the troops of Learned's brigade, he attacked the Hes- 
sians in the centre, and broke their ranks with his repeated 
charges. The British then retreated to their intrenchments, 
which were desperately assailed by the Americans, with 
Arnold at their head. Arnold's horse was killed under 
him, and he was wounded in the leg and borne off the field, 
but not until the victory was complete. In this battle, 
General Frazer, of the British army, was mortally wounded, 
and died the following morning. 

15. Burgoyne now endeavored to return to Fort Edward, 
but found the Americans had entirely cut off his retreat. 
He therefore sent a note under sanction of a flag to General 
Gates, asking for a cessation of hostilities until terms should 
be mutually agreed upon. The articles of capitulation were 
agreed upon and signed on the 17th of October, by which 
they were allowed a free passage to England, on condition 
of their not serving in America during the war. The whole 
number of the army surrendered amounted to five thousand 
seven hundred and fifty-two men. The Americans gained 
a fine train of artillery, seven thousand stand of arms, tents, 
and military stores. 

16. Sir Henry Clinton had sent a detachment along the 
Hudson Kiver to relieve General Burgoyne, but when they 
heard of his surrender they returned to New York. They 
captured some fortresses in the Highlands, burned Esopus, 
and plundered other villages, and behaved more like 



106 HISTORY or THE UNITED STATES. 

marauders, than a reofular army sent for the rehef 
of their harassed and suffering countrymen, 

17. After the British had obtained possession of Phila- 
delphia, Admiral Howe had brought round his ships from 
the Chesapeake into the Delaware Bay, and moved them up 
as far as the obstructions placed in the river would admit. 
It now became important to the welfare of the British army 
to remove these obstructions, and reduce the forts com- 
manding the river. For this purpose General Howe sent a 
detachment to New Jersey. General Washington improved 
the opportunity to make an attack on the enemy at German- 
town. Success at first waited on the Americans, but a 
party of the enemy threw themselves into a stone house, 
which they barricaded and made good against all attempts. 
Meanwhile the advantages at first gained were lost, and the 
Americans were compelled to retreat (October 4th). 

18. Fort Mercer, at Bed Bank, was assaulted on the 22 d 
of October, by a body of Hessians under Count Donop. 
The fort was defended by Colonel Christopher Green. 
After a valiant defence the enemy were repulsed with great 
slaughter, and the Hessian commander mortall}^ wounded. 
An attack made on Fort Mifflin, immediately opposite, by 
the enemy's shipping, was also unsuccessful. Finally, 
however, a large force sent out by Sir William Howe cap- 
tured the two forts, and removed the obstructions in the 
Delaware (November 18th). 

19. An attack was made (December 4tli) on the camp at 
White Marsh, by General Howe, without success, and soon 
after, the American army, who were in a destitute condition, 
went into winter quarters at Valley Forge, on the Schuylkill. 

Questions on the Events of 1777. — 1. Who joined Washington at 
Trenton ? By whom was he attacked ? How were the two armies 



THE REVOLUTION. 107 

posted? What did Washington do at midnight? What battle 
took place on the following morning ? Who gained the battle ? 
What general was killed ? 

2. What did Cornwallis now do ? Where did Washington re- 
tire to winter quarters ? The British ? 

3. Describe the expedition against Danbury. By whom were 
the British assailed in their retreat ? What general was slain ? 

4. Describe Colonel Meigs's expedition. 

5. Where did Washington encamp in May ? Where did Sir 
William Howe establish his head-quarters ? What did he do soon 
afterwards ? 

6. For what purpose did General Burgoyne leave Canada ? 
What took place on his arrival at Ticonderoga ? To what place 
did General St. Clair send his stores ? 

7. How was the flight revealed to the British ? What was the 
result ? When did the remaining troops reach Fort Edward ? 
By whom was General Prescott captured ? For whom exchanged ? 

8. When did Burgoyne reach Fort Edward ? Where did General 
Schuyler take post ? Who was besieging Fort Schuyler, and who 
was sent to its relief? Where did a battle take place, and with 
what result ? 

9. Who now went to the relief of the garrison ? What was St. 
Leger obliged to do ? What expedition was sent out by Burgoyne ? 
What battle ensued ? Who was killed in this battle ? What battle 
took place subsequently ? 

10. Wliy_did General Washington advance towards the Hudson ? 
What did the British fleet do on the 23d of July ? To what place 
did he now march ? Where did the British fleet sail, and where 
did the army land ? Where and when was a battle fought, and 
with what result ? Where did the Americans retreat the next 
day ? To what places did Congress retire ? 

11. What distinguished foreigners assisted the Americans at 
the battle of Brandy wine ? 

12. When Washington's troops had rested, what did he do? 
What disaster happened to the troops under General Wayne ? 
What did General Howe do ? What general occupied Philadelphia 
with his troops ? 

13. Who succeeded General Schuyler ? Where was Burgoyne ? 



108 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

Whei'e the American general ? What battle took place on the 19th 
of September ? What is said of it ? 

14. Describe the battle of Saratoga. What general was mortally- 
wounded ? 

15. What was Burgoyne now compelled to do ? What were the 
terms of the capitulation ? What number surrendered ? What 
stores came into the possession of the Americans ? 

16. What was effected by the expedition sent to relieve Bur- 
goyne ? 

17. To what river did Admiral Howe remove his ships? De- 
scribe the battle of Germantown. 

18. By whom and when was Fort Mercer assaulted ? By whom 
was it defended? What was the result? Who was mortally 
wounded ? What other fort was attacked ? Were the forts after- 
wards captured ? Give the date. 

19. Where were the Americans attacked by General Howe, 
December 4th ? Where did the army retire to winter quarters ? 



EVENTS OF 1778. 

1. Never was a greater contrast presented in the annals 
of war, than between the two contending armies. The 
British in elegant quarters in the city of Philadelphia, 
living in luxury, in ease, and the indulgence of licentious 
revelry j the Americans in log huts at Valley Forge, ill- 
clothed, worse fed, and suffering every privation. It re- 
quired all Washington's influence to retain his army in 
camp, and to provide them with food. 

2, Towards the latter end of February, Baron 
Steuben arrived in camp, and commenced training 
the army in the discipline and manoeuvres of the battle- 
field. He was successful in his course of instruction, and 
from a mass of untrained militia, he raised up a disciplined 



THE REVOLUTION. 10^ 

army, fit to compete with the trained veterans of' 
Europe. Provisions now arrived in plenty, clothing 
was furnished, and the spring commenced under favorable 
auspices for the camp at Valley Forge. Early in May, 
intelligence arrived that a treaty had been signed at Paris. 
by which the French government entered into an alliance 
with the United States. 

3. The British government now offered terms of concilia- 
tion to the Americans, but, as they did not agree to the 
independence of the United States, they were as promptly 
rejected. Sir William Howe resigned his command, and 
Sir Henry Clinton, his successor, took command of the 
army in Philadelphia, on the 11th of May. Philadelphia 
was an unsafe position for the British army, since the 
alliance with France, and orders were given to withdraw 
the troops to New York. On the 18th of June, the whole 
British array evacuated the city, crossing the river Delaware 
in boats, and marching along its eastern bank. 

4. Washington immediately broke up his camp at Valley 
Forge, and, making a considerable circuit, crossed the Dela- 
ware at Coryell's Ferry, the same place from which he had 
marched eighteen months before to attack the enemy at 
Trenton. On the morning of the 28th of June, an attack 
was made ou the enemy at Monmouth Court House, now 
Freehold. General Lee led the van, and Washington came 
up to sustain him with the main army. 

5. As Washington drew near the scene of action, he met 
Lee and the whole detachment in full retreat. He checked 
further retreat, reproved Lee for his conduct, and ordered 
him to lead his troops against the enemy. The battle wa3- 
now resumed, and continued through the day. Washington 
intended to attack the enemy on the following morning, but 
at daybreak, when the army were roused for action, the 

10 



110 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

enemy had clisaj3peared, having withdrawn to Sandy 
Hook, whence they embarked for New York. The 

enemy lost three hundred killed and one hundred prisoners. 

The Americans seventy killed and one hundred and sixty 

wounded. Many died from the extreme heat of the weather, 

and the fatigue endured on the battle-field. 

6. After Washington had rested his troops, he led them 
to White Plains. General Lee was charged before a court- 
martial with " disobedience of orders, misbehavior in making 
a disorderly retreat, and disrespect to the commander-in- 
chief'^ He was found guillty of the charges against him, 
and suspended from his command for one year. He never 
again returned to the service. 

7. On the 8th of July a French fleet arrived off the coast, 
and anchored at the mouth of the Delaware. It consisted 
of twelve ships of the line and six frigates, and a land force 
of four thousand men under Count D'Estaing. A combina- 
tion was entered into by the American and French com- 
manders' to recapture Rhode Island (that is, the island 
which gives name to the state), which the enemy had 
fortified, and made one of their strongholds. General 
Sullivan, with a detachment, landed on the island, and 
found the British works at its northern point abandoned. 
The French commander was about ordering out his boats to 
commence the attack on Newport, when a British fleet 
appeared in sight. The French immediately put out to 
sea to attack the enemy, but were prevented from doing so 
by a violent storm. 

8. On the return to Newport, the shattered condition of 
the French fleet prevented its commander from assisting 
General Sullivan, who raised the siege, and retired in the 
night to the north part of the island. Here a skirmish 
ensued, when the British withdrew, and kept up a cannonade 



THE REVOLUTION. Ill 

on the American works until nio'lit. The firing 
was renewed the following day, but at night General 

Sullivan withdrew his whole army from the island, unper- 

ceived by the enemy. 

9. The war, as now carried on by the enemy, was a series 
of plunders and massacres. A detachment of cavalry was 
surprised in the night at Old Tappan, by General Grey, 
and bayonetted without mercy. A number, however, es- 
caped, through the compassion of one of the British captains. 
An expedition against Little Egg Harbor demolished the 
public stores, and wantouly destroyed private property. An 
expedition, led by tories and Indians, attacked the settlement 
at Wyoming, Pennsylvania, massacred the inhabitants, and 
laid waste their beautiful settlement. Another massacre 
took place at Cherry Valley, New York, by tories and 
Indians, and Captain Ferguson surprised a portion of Pu- 
laski's legion while sleeping, and wantonly butchered fifty 
on the spot. 

10. An expedition was now sent from New York to 
invade Georgia, commanded by Colonel Campbell. He 
landed his troops near Savannah, on the 29th of December, 
where he was met by a small force under General Robert 
Howe, which was totally routed. The British then took 
possession of Savannah, with a quantity of cannon, military 
stores, and provisions. The army under General Washington 
now went into cantonments for the winter, the head-quarters 
being established near Middlebrook, New Jersey. 

Questions on the Events of 1778. — 2, Who arrived in camp, and 
what did he commence ? What was the result ? What treaty was 
signed at Paris ? 

3. What terms did the British government offer ? Why were 
they rejected? When did the Briiish evacuate Philadelphia? 



112 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

4. What did Washington now do ? What battle took place, and 
when? 

5. Why did Washington reprove Lee, and what did he order ? 
How long did the battle continue ? To what place did the British 
withdraw ? 

6. After Washington had rested his troops, to what place did 
he withdraw ? What charges were made against General Lee, 
and what was the sentence of the court ? 

7. When and where did a French fleet arrive ? What town was 
besieged by General Sullivan ? What prevented the French fleet 
from assisting him ? 

8. To what place did Sullivan withdraw his troops ? What took 
place here ? 

9. What was the character of the war now carried on by the 
enemy ? 

10. Who commanded the expedition sent from New York to 
invade Georgia? When did he land? Who commanded the 
Americans ? Of what did the British take possession ? Where 
were the head-quarters of Washington's army during the winter ? 



EVENTS OF 1779. 
1. After the battle wliich ended in the capture 

1779. . 

of Savannah, the American army retreated to South 
Carolina. Greneral Prevost, with an army from Florida, 
took Sunbury, and marched to Savannah, where he assumed 
the command. Augusta was captured by Colonel Campbell, 
and by the middle of January the whole of Georgia was 
reduced to submission. 

2. General Lincoln, an experienced officer, who had been 
appointed to the command of the army in the south, took 
command of his forces on the Savannah River, soon after 
the capture of Savannah, and waited for a favorable oppor- 



THE REVOLUTION. 113 

tunity to strike a blow in favor of the sinking cause. 

In the mean 'time a company of tories, who were 
marching to the British camp, were met at Kettle Creek, 
and totally routed, after a desperate engagement, by a body 
of militia under Colonel Pickens. Colonel Boyd and about 
seventy of the tories were killed, and seventy-five taken 
prisoners, of whom five were hanged as traitors. 

3. Early in March, General Lincoln sent General Ash, 
with two thousand men, against the British in Georgia. 
General Ash took post at Brier Creek, where he was sur- 
prised by General Prevost and put to flight, with a loss of 
nearly five hundred men. About the same time, Prevost 
sent a detachment against Port Boyal, which was defeated 
by General Moultrie, with severe loss. General Lincoln 
now crossed with his army into Georgia, with the intention 
of attacking the British at Savannah, but learning that 
General Prevost was laying siege to Charleston, he hastened 
to the relief of that city. On the approach of Lincoln, the 
British general withdrew his troops to the island of St. 
John's, separated from the main land by Stono Biver. 
Lincoln attacked a division posted at Stono Ferry, but was 
repulsed. The British soon after established a post at 
Beaufort, on the island of Port Boyal, and the main body 
retired to Savannah. 

4. In May, Virginia became the scene of predatory war- 
fare. Portsmouth and Norfolk were plundered, and a vast 
amount of public and private property wantonly destroyed. 
The infamous Tryon soon afterwards, with a band of merce- 
naries, laid waste the country in Connecticut adjoining the 
coast, robbing and ill-treating the defenceless inhabitants, 
and wantonly burning the towns of Fairfield and Norwalk. 

5. The capture of Stony Point, on the Hudson, by General 
Wayne, was one of the most successful achievements of the 

10* 



114 HISTORY OP THE UNITED STATES. 

war. It was a strono; fortress, and garrisoned by 
six hundred troops. On tli^ 15th. of July, Wayne 
arrived near the fort without being discovered. The assault 
was made at midnight by the troops, in two columns, who 
advanced with charged bayonets, overcame every obstacle, 
and captured the fort without firing a single gun. The 
garrison surrendered at discretion, after a brave but un- 
availing resistance. The fort was then dismantled and 
abandoned, the Americans securing the cannon and military 
stores. 

6. Another daring exploit was achieved by Colonel Lee, 
in the surprise of the fort at Paulus Hook, on the Hudson, 
immediately opposite New York. Favored by the negli- 
gence of the garrison, they entered the fort in the silence 
of the night, and made themselves masters of the post before 
the garrison awakened from their slumbers. Lee immedi- 
ately withdrew, with one hundred and fifty-nine prisoners. 
But few were killed, as there was little fighting, and no 
massacre. 

7. Several expeditions were sent against the Indians, the 
most signal of which was that conducted by General Sulli- 
van. He left the desolated region of Wyoming with his 
troops, and marched into the country of the Senecas. A 
battle took place at Newton (now Elmira) on the 29th of 
August, when the Indians and tories were defeated, and the 
country laid waste to the Genesee River. General Sullivan 
having accomplished his object, returned with his troops to 
Easton. The thanks of Congress were voted to him and 
his gallant army. 

8. During the summer the American commissioners at 
Paris fitted out a squadron, the command of which was 
given to Paul Jones, who captured a number of vessels in 
the North Sea. On the 23d of September, near Flam- 



THE REVOLUTION. H^ 



17T9. 



borough Head, on the English coast, he encountered 
the British ships Serapis, of forty-four, and the 
Countess of Scarborough, of twenty guns. A severe and 
bloody battle ensued, which continued for three hours, when 
the Serapis struck her colors. Tlie Countess of Scarborough 
was captured by the Pallas, and the prizes carried into 
Holland. 

9. A formidable fleet under the command of Count 
D'Estaing now appeared on the coast of Georgia, and joined 
with General Lincoln in besieging the British at Savannah. 
On the 9th of October, Lincoln and D'Estaing advanced to 
storm the works. The assault was gallant, but unsuccessful ; 
the assailants were repulsed, with a loss to the French of six 
hundred men, and the Americans four hundred. D'Estaing 
was wounded ; Count Pulaski and the brave Sergeant Jasper 
were slain. The Americans now recrossed the river into 
South Carolina, and the French re-embarked. 

10. In November, Washington's army went into winter 
quarters, one division under General Heath in the High- 
lands of the Hudson, for the protection of West Point and 
other posts. The head-quarters were established near 
Morristown, New Jersey. 

Questions on the Events of 1779.— 1. To what state did the army 
retire? What was captured by General Prevost? By Colonel 
Campbell ? 

2. Who took command of the army in the south ? What battle 
took place? Who commanded the Americans in the battle of 
Kettle Creek ? 

3. What did Lincoln and Ash do in March ? What took place 
at Brier Creek? At Port Royal ? At Stono Ferry ? 

4. What towns in Virginia were plundered ? AVho laid waste 
the sea coast of Connecticut ? What towns were burned ? 

5. Who captured Stony Point ? Describe the assault and cap- 
ture. What is said of the achievement ? 



116 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

6. What fort was taken by Colonel Lee ? Describe the capture. 

7. Who marched against the Indians ? When and where did a 
battle take place ? How far was the country laid waste ? 

8. When and where did a naval engagement take place ? Who 
commanded the American squadron, and what British vessels 
were captured ? 

9. Who commanded a French fleet on the coast of Georgia ? 
With whom did he unite ? When was Savannah assaulted ? What 
was the result ? Who are mentioned as among the wounded and 
slain ? 

10. When and where did Washington's army go into winter 
quarters ? 



EVENTS OF 1780. 

1. This year opened on distressed and almost 
itso. ... 

famisliing soldiers. The winter was one of unusual 

severity, and the army in the huts near Morristown suffered 
from want of blankets and clothing. They were also fre- 
quently without meat, often without bread, and sometimes 
without both. If it had not been for the kindness of the 
neighboring farmers, who furnished supplies, the army 
could not have subsisted. 

2. Sir Henry Clinton now left New York with a large 
body of troops, in a fleet commanded by Admiral Arbuthnot, 
for the invasion of South Carolina. Early in April he 
commenced the siege of Charleston, which was defended by 
General Lincoln. He now sent out Colonel Webster to 
break up some posts occupied by the Americans. One of 
these posts, at Monk's Corner, was surprised and taken by 
Colonel Tarleton, who commanded Webster's advanced 
guard. This achievement shut off Charleston from all 
supplies (xipril 14th). 

3. The siege of Charleston was continued with great 



THE REVOLUTION. 117 

vigor. Fort Moultrie surrendered, and General 
^^^^' Lincoln, finding no relief, capitulated, and tlie city 
fell into the hands of the enemy (May 12th). A body of 
Americans, under command of Colonel Buford, was over- 
taken on the banks of the Waxhaw, by Colonel Tarleton, 
and, after being defeated, were butchered, after they had 
laid down their arms. Colonel Buford and some of his 
cavalry escaped. Having struck a blow which he supposed 
reduced the south to absolute submission, Sir Henry Clinton 
embarked with part of his forces for New York, leaving 
Cornwallis to carry the war into North Carolina, and then 
into Virginia (June 5th). 

4. New Jersey was now invaded by a large body of troops 
under command of General Knyphausen, who landed at 
Elizabethtown Point. The American troops sent to oppose 
him made a stand at Springfield, where a severe engage- 
ment took place. The British outnumbered the Americans, 
but the latter being strongly posted, and reinforcements 
advancing, the British general retreated, and during the 
night passed over to Staten Island (June 23d). 

^5. Washington now moved with his army to the High- 
lands, and resumed his measures for the security of West 
Point. On the 10th of July, a large French fleet, with 
five thousand troops, arrived at Newport, in Rhode Island. 
It was intended to attack New York with the combined 
forces, but a fleet arrived from England which gave the 
superiority to the British arms, and the proposed attack was 
for the present abandoned. 

6. In the south, though for a time no opposition was 
made to British rule, symptoms of revolt at length were 
manifested. Bold and determined leaders only were needed, 
and one was soon found in Colonel Sumter, who made several 
attacks on the enemy. The post at Hanging Rock was 



118 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

captured, and a body of British and tories defeated 
(August 6th). The Baron de Kalb, at the head 
of the Maryland division, who had been detached to Caro- 
lina, made but slow progress, for want of supplies. On the 
25th of July, General Gates, who had been appointed to 
command the southern army, arrived, and immediately 
marched towards Camden, South Carolina, and on the 13th 
of August encamped at Clermont, twelve miles distant. 

7. On the approach of Gates, Lord Rawdon concentrated 
his forces at Camden, where he was joined by Cornwallis. 
On the evening of the 14th, General Gates moved with his 
main force to Sanders' Creek, seven miles from Camden. 
Here they encountered the British army, which had sallied 
out in the night to attack them at Clermont. A skirmish 
ensued, which lasted but a short time, when both armies 
halted, and waited for daylight, to renew hostilities. At 
daybreak (August 16th), the enemy advanced, and put the 
militia to flight. The regular troops stood their ground, 
and fought with great bravery, but were at length compelled 
to give way. Baron de Kalb, while exerting himself with 
the utmost to prevent the loss of this battle, fell, after 
receiving eleven wounds. 

8. On the evening before the battle of Sanders' Creek, 
Colonel Sumter had made a successful attack on a post of 
the enemy on the Wateree, and captured one hundred 
prisoners and forty loaded wagons. Tarleton was sent 
against him, and coming to his camp at a time when his 
troops were resting from their fatigues, the Americans 
were surprised, and able to make but a feeble resistance. 
Between three and four hundred were killed and wounded, 
and all their arms and baggage fell into the hands of the 
enemy (August 18th). 

9. We have now to narrate the most sorrowful event in 



THE REVOLUTION. 



119 



the history of the Eevokitlon — an event which 
brings up sad recollections both to British and Ame- 
ricans. It is the treason of Arnold, and the fate of Andre. 
We have recited the bravery, the enterprise, the military 
skill of the hero of Quebec, of Saratoga, and the brave 
warrior of many a battle-field. We must reverse the pic- 
ture, and, instead of a patriot, behold a traitor. 

10. After the evacuation of Philadelphia in 1778, Arnold 
was stationed in that city as military governor. Here he 
lived in an extravagant style, and, by his arrogance, raised 
up many enemies. He was charged before a court-martial 
with misconduct, fraud, and the granting certain privileges 
to disafiected persons. Though nothing fraudulent was 
proved against him, the transactions in which he was in- 
volved were pronounced " irregular, contrary to the articles 
of war, imprudent, and reprehensible ;'' and the court sen- 
tenced him to be reprimanded by the commander-in-chief. 

11. The reprimand administered by Washington was one 
of delicacy and kindness, and ought to have sunk into his 
heart. But from the moment of his sentence by the court- 
martial, he seemed bent on vengeance. Dissembling his 
hatred to his country, he asked for the command at West 
Point, which was conferred upon him. His head-quarters 
were at Beverly,* on the eastern side of the river, and 
opposite to West Point. Here he carried on a secret 
correspondence with Major Andr^, General Clinton's aide- 
de-camp, under the assumed names of Gustavus and John 
Anderson, offering to betray West Point and the posts in 
the Highlands to Sir Henry Clinton. 

12. In order to complete this nefarious business, it now 
became necessary for Arnold and Andre to hold a personal 



* Commonly called the Robinson House. 



120 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 




INTERVIEW BETWEEN ARNOLD AND ANDb£. 



interview. Andre left New York, and went on board 

1780. , ' 

the Vulture, which lay at anchor in the Hudson. 
Here at midnight Arnold sent a boat to convey him to the 
west side of the river. Arnold was in waiting to receive 
him, and the conference lasted until near daybreak. As 
Arnold feared that sending the boat back to the ship might 
excite suspicion, he prevailed on Andre to remain on shore 
during the day. 

13. The two conspirators now repaired to the house of 
Joshua Smith, a tory, who was aiding Arnold in his designs. 
Here the bargain for the betrayal of West Point was com- 
pleted, and Arnold returned in his barge to head-quarters. 
He suggested to Andre a return by laud, and furnished 
him with the following pass : 

" Permit Mr. John Anderson to pass the guards to the 
White Plains, or below if he chooses; he being on public 
business by my direction. 

" B. Arnold, Major-General.^^ 



THE REVOLUTION. 121 

14. As Smith refused to put Andre on board 
the Vulture, lie left his place of concealment about 
sunset, having exchanged his military coat for a citizen's, 
and crossed the river to King's Ferry, when he proceeded 
on horseback towards New York. He passed urrtnolested 
through the American lines by means of his passport, until 
he came near Tarrytown. Here he was stopped by three 
militia men armed with muskets. The first one who hailed 
him wore a refugee uniform, which led Andre to suppose 
he was among friends, and he declared at once that he was 
a British officer, on urgent business, and must not be 
detained a single moment. They then declared themselves 
to be Americans, and told Andre he was their prisoner. 

15. They proceeded to search him, and found concealed 
papers in his boots, which satisfied them he was a spy. He 
ofiered his horse, watch, and one hundred guineas, if they 
would let him go. But they were patriots, refused all his 
ofi"ers, and led him as a prisoner to Colonel Jameson, at 
Northcastle. By request of Andre, Jameson wrote to 
Arnold that Anderson was a prisoner. Arnold was at 
breakfast when the letter arrived ; the commander-in-chief 
was expected every moment, and the traitor would soon be 
exposed. Calling his wife aside, he told her that " he was 
a ruined man, and that he must fly for his life." Thus 
saying, he left the apartment, mounted a horse ready sad- 
dled, and fled to the river. Here throwing himself into 
his barge, he directed his men to row to the Vulture, which 
he entered as a traitor and renegade. 

16. Major Andre was arraigned before a court-martial, 
tried as a spy, and being convicted, was hanged on the 2d 
of October. He was universally lamented, both by the 
British and Americans, and Sir Henry Clinton used every 
exertion to induce Washington to spare his life. But the 

11 



122 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

stern usages of war, and the safety of the country, 
required the sacrifice. It was suggested to Sir 
Henry Chnton that Andre would be set at liberty if Arnold 
were given up. But the proposition was rejected, as in- 
compatible with honor and military principle. The captors 
of Andre were John Paulding, Isaac Van Wart, and David 
Williams. Congress, by a formal vote, expressed a high 
sense of their virtuous and patriotic conduct; awarded to 
each of them a farm, a pension for life of two hundred 
dollars, and a silver medal, bearing on one side a shield, 
with the word Fidelity, and on the other the motto Vincit 
amor PatricE. These medals were presented to them by 
G-eneral Washington at his head-quarters. 

17. In the south Cornwallis had established a military 
despotism, and used the most oppressive measures to coerce 
the people to submit to royal authority. But these violent 
measures failed of their object, for the people only waited 
for a favorable opportunity to assert their freedom. Colonel 
Ferguson, who had been sent with a body of troops, princi- 
pally tories, to sweep the country, was attacked by a body of 
hardy mountaineers and backwoodsmen on King's Mountain, 
where he had made a stand. Th^ assailants ascended the 
mountain in three divisions, and were at first driven back 
by the fixed bayonets of the enemy, who in turn were 
attacked by the Americans on every side. At last Colonel 
Ferguson was killed, and the enemy surrendered, with a 
loss of three hundred killed and wounded, and eight hun- 
dred prisoners (October 7th). 

18. G-eneral Marion, a partisan leader, annoyed the 
British outposts, and manoeuvred so skilfully that he avoided 
the strong parties of the enemy sent in pursuit of him. On 
the 12th of October, Major Wemyss made an attack on 
Sumter at Broad River, but the British were defeated, and 



THE REVOLUTION. 1-^ 

their commander taken prisoner. Tarleton ^vas 
^^'''* now sent in pursuit of Sumter, and overtook liim 
on tlie 20th of November at Blackstock, on the Tyger 
River. A battle ensued, but the British sustained a severe 
loss, and retired, leaving the Americans victors on the field. 
General Sumter was severely wounded m this battle. 

19 After General Gates had been defeated, he retired 
with the remains of his army to Charlotte, North Carolina 
where he was soon after informed by official despatches tha 
General Greene would supersede him in command. General 
Greene arrived in camp on the 2d of December, and made 
preparations for strengthening his army, introducmg disci- 
pline, and obtaining needful supplies, but no encounter took 
place with the enemy until January. In the latter part of 
this year, Great. Britain declared war against Holland, lor 
the encouragement that nation had given to American 
privateers. War had previously been declared against 
France and Spain. 

7 7-T 4 f i7Qn 1 What is said of the "winter, 
Questions on the Euents of 1<80.— 1. v\nat 
and from what causes did the soldiers suffer? ^^ , ^ , 

2 Who invaded South Carolina? When was Charleston be- 
sieged? By whom was it defended? What American post was 
taken and what did its capture effect ? 

3 What fort surrendered? What was General Lincoln com- 
peUed to do? What^is said of Colonel Buford's detachment? 
Whom did Sir Henry Clinton leave in South Carolina? 

4 By whom was New Jersey invaded ? Where d:d an engage- 
ment take place ? Give the result. 

5 io iat place did Washington remo.e? What avr.ved at 

"T'whl made attacks en the eneu,y in the seuth ? What is said 
I of the Baron deKalb? General Gates? 
I 7. What was done by Lord Eawdon? To ^vhat place d,d 



124 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES, 

General Gates move his army? When did the battle take place? 
Describe the battle. What is said of De Kalb ? 

8. What was done by Colonel Sumter ? Who was sent against 
him ? Give the result. 

9. What is the most sorrowful event in the Revolution ? What 
is said of Arnold ? 

10. What office did Arnold hold in 1778? What charges were 
made against him ? What decision was given by the court- 
martial, and what sentence ? 

11. What effect was produced on Arnold? What command 
was conferred upon him ? With whom did he carry on a cor- 
respondence ? What assumed names were used by the parties ? 

12. What became necessary on behalf of the conspirators ? 
What did Andre do ? Arnold ? Where was the conference held ? 

13. Relate the incidents of the following day. What was re- 
quired by the pass ? By whom was it signed ? 

14. What did Andre now do? By whom was he stopped? 
Why did he suppose his captors to belong to the British ? 

15. What was found in his boots ? To whom and where did 
they take him ? What did he write to Arnold ? What did Arnold 
do on receipt of the letter? 

16. What became of Andre ? What Avere the names of his 
captors ? What did Congress express by their vote ? What was 
awarded to them ? 

17. What had Cornwallis established? Describe the battle 
of King's Mountain. Who was killed, and how many were 
prisoners ? 

18. What is said of General Marion? Major Wemyss ? De- 
scribe the battle of Blackstock. 

19. Where did General Gates retire ? By whom was he super- 
seded? Against what nation did Great Britain declare war? 
With what other nations was she at war previously ? 



THE REVOLUTION. 125 



EVENTS OF 1781, AND CLOSE OF THE REVOLUTION. 

1. The new year was ushered in with a painful 

ITS 1. 

event. On the 1st of January, the Pennsylvania 
line stationed at Morristown turned out under arms, refused 
obedience to orders, and declared their intention to march 
to Philadelphia, and demand redress of grievances from 
Congress. When they had marched as far as Princeton, a 
committee from Congress met them, and induced them to 
agree to a compromise, by which their wants were relieved, 
and provision made for their being paid in full. 

2. A large body of troops had been sent by Sir Henry 
Clinton to invade Virginia, and Benedict Arnold, now a 
brigadier-general in the British service, was appointed to 
the command. He lauded on the James River, twenty-five 
miles from Richmond, on the 4th of January, and, on the 
following day, marched into the capital, after a feeble 
opposition. Here he destroyed the public edifices, stores, 
and workshops, and private property to a large amount. 
He then went down the river, and then to Portsmouth, 
wdiere he took post on the 20th of January. 

3. Greneral Greene, who now had command of the southern 
army, was encamped at Charlotte, North Carolina. He sent 
General Morgan, with a division one thousand strong, to 
take post near the Broad River, in the western part of South 
Carolina. Tarleton was sent against him with a force of 
eleven hundred men. He came up with Morgan at a place 
known as the Cowpens. The attack was made by Tarleton 
(January 17th), In the commencement of the battle, some 
of Morgan's troops gave way, but they soon rallied and at- 
tacked the enemy with such fury, that they were completely 

11* 



126 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

routed, and a general fliglit took place. The loss 

of the British in this battle was ten officers and 

one hundred men killed, and five hundred prisoners, while 

the loss of the Americans was twelve killed and sixty 

wounded. 

4. Morgan did not remain long on the battle-field. The 
same day at noon he set out with his prisoners and spoils. 
Before night set in he crossed the Broad Kiver, and early 
the next morning he started for the Catawba. As soon as 
Cornwallis heard of the defeat of Tarleton, he sent out part 
of his force in pursuit, while he followed with the main 
army and baggage (January 19th). But finding the latter 
impeded his march, he destroyed all the baggage and stores 
that could be spared, and continued his pursuit. Morgan 
succeeded in crossing the Catawba two hours before the 
enemy arrived on its banks. A heavy rain fell through 
the night, and the river was so swollen as to be impassable 
(January 29th). 

5. Two days after, General Greene arrived, took the 
command, and continued the retreat. As soon as the 
waters subsided, Cornwallis with his army crossed the 
Catawba-, though his passage was contested by the Carolina 
militia. These, however, were dispersed by the British, 
and their commander, General Davidson, was killed (Feb- 
ruary 1st). The Americans now crossed the river Yadkin, 
but lost some wagons which were taken by the van of the 
British army. That night the rain poured down in torrents, 
and the river was unfordable. 

6. General Greene now pressed forward for the river 
Dan, and Lord Cornwallis pursued with the hope of inter- 
cepting him before he could cross that river. But General 
Greene had secured boats to ferry his troops across, which 
he accomplished successfully, thus placing a deep river 



THE REVOLUTION. 127 

between himself and his pursuers. The British 
were much vexed to find " that all their toil and 

exertions had been vain, and that all their hopes were 

frustrated."* 

7. The pursuit of the British ended at the Dan River, 
and Lord Cornwallis, after a day's rest, marched off with 
his army, and, on the 20th, took post at Hillsborough. 
General Greene soon after recrossed the Dan River, and 
after several skirmishes with his light troops and the enemy's 
foraging parties, he reached Guilford Court House (March 
15th), and the same day was attacked by Cornwallis. The 
enemy advanced in three columns. In the early part of 
the battle the North Carolina militia took to flight, and 
although there was intrepid fighting in different parts of 
the field, it became evident to General Greene that the day 
was lost; and he therefore directed a retreat, which was 
made in good order. 

8. Soon after the battle Cornwallis retreated towards 
Wilmiogton, North Carolina, closely pursued by General 
Greene, who, being unable to overtake him, changed his 
course, and marched into South Carolina. Cornwallis now 
marched with his army to Wilmington, and, after a short 
delay, set out to Virginia (April 25th). In the mean time 
General Greene arrived at Hobkirk's Hill, two miles from 
Lord Rawdon's post at Camden. Here a hard-fought battle 
took place on the 25th of April, but through a false move 
of a portion of the troops, Greene was obliged to retreat. 

9. In the mean time Colonel Lee and General Marion 
captured Fort Watson and Fort Motte. Colonel Lee cap- 
tured Fort Granby, and marched to the aid of Colonel 
Pickens in the siege of Augusta, while General Greene 

* Annual Register, 1781. 



128 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

commenced the sieofe of the stronoj fortress of 

Ninety-Six. Hearing of the approach of Lord 

Rawdon, he made an assault on the fort (June 18th). 

After a severe contest the stockaded fort was taken, but 

the troops were repulsed from the main works. 

10. We left Arnold at Portsmouth with his forces, where 
he had taken post in January. In March, General Phillips 
was sent to Virginia, with an array of two thousand five 
hundred men. He joined Arnold, and took the chief com- 
mand. He then ravaged the country, took Petersburg, 
and proceeded towards Richmond, but found that General 
La Fayette was there with a strong force. After burning 
the stores, and destroying property at Manchester, they 
returned to Petersburg. Here General Phillips died, and 
the command again devolved on Arnold. Lord Cornwallis 
arrived on the 20th of May, and took command of the 
army. 

11. The first object of Lord Cornwallis was to strike a 
blow at General La Fayette, who was then at Richmond, 
where he was waiting for the arrival of General Wayne. 
On his approach to Richmond, La Fayette left that place, 
and retreated until he was joined by General Wayne and 
nine hundred soldiers of the Pennsylvania line. He now 
pursued Cornwallis, who retreated to Williamsburg, and 
soon after to Portsmouth. But not liking Portsmouth, he 
embarked with his army, and sailed for Yorktown, which 
he fortified Gloucester Point, on the opposite side of the 
York River, had likewise been fortified (August 22d). 

12. It was now Washington's intention to attack the 
British in New York, in which enterprise he was to be 
assisted by the French troops. But receiving despatches 
from Count de Grasse that he should leave St. Domingo 
with a large fleet, and a considerable body of land forces, 



THE REVOLUTION. 129 

and steer for the Chesapeake, he determined to 
move to Virginia, and postpone his attack on New 
York. The whole of the French army near New York, 
and about two thousand of the American, under command 
of General Washington, assisted by Count de Rochambeau, 
now marched up the Hudson River, crossed at King's 
Ferry, and marched down through New Jersey, thence 
crossed the Delaware on their way to Virginia. 

13. Clinton was not aware of the destination of the allied 
troops till they had crossed the Delaware. As a sort of 
counterplot, therefore, he sent Arnold on an expedition to 
Connecticut. On the 6th of September the latter appeared 
off the harbor of New London, and landed his troops in two 
divisions. He met with little opposition, but a detachment 
sent against Fort Griswold, on the opposite side of the 
river, sustained a severe contest. At last the garrison was 
overpowered by the enemy, and cruelly massacred, after 
they had thrown down their arms. Arnold now entered 
New London and set fire to the stores, which communicating 
to the dweUings, the whole place was wrapped in flames. 
He now retreated to his boats, and was pursued by the 
exasperated countrymen, whose vengeance he escaped, 
although several of his men were wounded. This expe- 
dition ended Arnold's infamous career in his native land, 
and thenceforth he appears no more in the annals of 
history (September 6th). 

14. General Greene, who had been encamped for weeks 
during the heats of July and August, on the high hills of 
the Santee, broke up his encampment on the 2'2d of August 
to march against Colonel Stuart. He encountered the 
enemy on the 8th of September at Eutaw Springs. A 
desperate battle ensued, lasting near four hours, when the 
enemy were completely routed, and a large number of 



130 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

prisoners taken by the Americans. After the 
battle appeared, however, to be decided, a number 
of the enemy opened a destructive fire from a brick house 
forming part of their encampment. Gleneral Greene, finding 
his ammunition nearly exhausted, gave up the attempt to 
dislodge the enemy, who retired in the night, and marched 
to Monk's Corner, twenty-five miles from Charleston. 

15. Lord Cornwallis, who had fortified Yorktown and 
Gloucester Point, deemed himself perfectly secure against 
all attacks of the Americans. He was aroused from his 
fancied security by the appearance of the fleet of Count de 
Grasse at the mouth of York River, and the landing of a 
French army. Count de Barras, with a large reinforcement, 
arrived soon after, and though Admiral Graves with a 
British fleet had attacked the French ships, he was unable 
to prevent their obtaining full command of the Chesapeake, 

16. Washington reached Williamsburg, September 14th, 
and by the 25th the American and French troops had 
arrived and encamped near that town. The allied armies 
soon after marched for Yorktown, and by the 1st of 
October completely invested the place. They then threw 
up a parallel line of fortifications, which was completed on 
the 9th, when the batteries poured in a destructive fire 
upon the town. On the night of the 11th a second parallel 
was opened within three hundred yards of the works. The 
British kept up an incessant fire, and as two redoubts of 
the enemy particularly annoyed the besiegers, it was resolved 
to capture them.. This was effected by a party of Americans 
storming one, and a detachment of French the other. 
Cornwallis was now reduced to great distress, and, as his 
post was no longer tenable, he attempted to escape by 
means of boats across the river. Part of his army suc- 
ceeded in crossing, but a storm scattered the boats with the 



THE REVOLUTION. 131 

second detacliment, and oblic'ed him to relinquish 

1781. ... ^ 

his design. His hopes were now at an end, and 
on the 17th he sent a flag to General Washington, proposing 
a cessation of hostilities. This was acceded to^ and com- 
missioners appointed to arrange the terms of capitulation. 
These were signed on the 19th of October, when the posts 
of Yorktown and Gloucester were surrendered to General 
Washington, and the ships of war to the Count de Grasse. 
On the very day of the surrender of Cornwallis, Sir Henry 
Clinton left New York with a large fleet and army for his 
relief, and arrived off the capes on the 24th, when, finding 
that Yorktown had fallen, he returned to New York. 

17. The rejoicings in the victorious camp extended 
throughout the Union. *" Cornwallis is taken !" was uttered 
in tones of gladness, for " it was considered a death-blow to 
the war." The power of the British was now limited to 
the cities of New York, Savannah, and Charleston; and 
though peace was not concluded between the two countries 
for more than a year after the surrender of Yorktown, 
hostilities ceased between the two armies, with the exception 
of some skirmishes in South Carolina and Georgia, which 
will be adverted to in due order. The French army re- 
mained during the winter in Virginia, and the Count de 
Rochambeau established his head-quarters at Williamsburg, 
while the American army moved to the north of New 
Jersey, and the Hudson River. Washington passed the 
winter in Philadelphia. 

18. In April, General Washington rejoined the 

army encamped at Newburg. The British army 

continued to occupy New York, but no active operations 

took place between the opposing forces. Sir Guy Carleton 

* Irving's Life of Washington, Vol. IV., p. 386. 



132 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

arrived in May, and took command of the Britisli 
army, Sir Henry Clinton having been recalled at 
his own request. After the surrender of Cornwailis, the 
southern army had been reinforced by the Pennsylvania 
line. Greneral Greene had sent Wayne into Georgia. 
Colonel Browne from Savannah marched against him, but 
the American commander attacked him at midnight, and 
routed his whole party. Wayne was afterwards attacked 
by a large body of Creek Indians, led by their chiefs and 
British officers, but he defeated them. This was the last 
battle in Georgia. 

19. A change now took place in the British ministry, 
and soon after, overtures of peace being made, commissioners 
"were appointed by both governments to settle the terms. 
John Adams, John Jay, Benjamin Franklin, and Henry 
Laurens, were the agents who represented the United 
States. A general treaty of peace was signed at Paris on 

the 20th of January, and on the 19th of April the 

joyful intelligence was proclaimed in the American 

army. This was the anniversary of the battle of Lexington, 

and the end of the eight years of warfare, and blood, and 

armed hosts contending for the mastery. 

20. On the 3d of November the army was disbanded, 
the cities occupied by British troops evacuated : Savannah 
in July, New York in November, and Charleston in De- 
cember. As the service of the men engaged for the time 
of the war would not terminate until the ratification of the 
definitive articles of peace, it was deemed advisable to grant 
furloughs to such of the men as the commander thought 
proper. This enabled the army to be disbanded by degrees, 
and prevented the danger of letting loose in large masses a 
body of unpaid soldiers. Arrangements having been made 
with General Carleton for the evacuation of New York by 



THE REVOLUTION. 133 

tlie Britisli troops on the 25th of November, Gene- 

ral Washington with his troops, accompanied by 

Governor Clinton and other state officers, entered the city 

in triumphal procession, as soon as the British troops 

embarked. 

21. On the 4th of December, Washington took a final 
leave of his companions in arms. He then repaired to 
Annapolis, where Congress was in session, and, on the 23d 
of December, resigned his commission as commander-in- 
chief of the continental armies. *" He then hastened to 
Mount Vernon to enjoy the pleasures of domestic life, with 
the pleasing reflection that his beloved country was free 
and independent, and had taken her position among the 
nations of the earth/' 

Questions on the Events of 1781, and Close of the Revolution. — 
1. What painful event occurred on the 1st of January ? How was 
the difficulty settled ? 

2. By whom was Virginia invaded? What city did he capture, 
and what did he destroy ? Where did he take post ? 

3. Whom did General Greene send out, and for what purpose ? 
Who was sent against him ? Describe the battle of Cowpens. 

4. What did Morgan do after the battle? Describe the pursuit. 
What rivers were forded ? 

5. What did General Greene now do ? Cornwallis ? What river 
did the Americans ford, and what occurred after their crossing ? 

6. What river was now crossed by the Americans, and what 
ended Cornwallis's pursuit ? 

7. Where did Cornwallis take post? What did General Greene 
do ? Describe the battle of Guilford Court House. 

8. What did Cornwallis do after the battle ? General Greene ? 
Describe the battle of Hobkirk's Hill. Who were the respective 
commanders ? 

9. What forts were captured? 

* Lossing's Seventeen Hundred and Seventy-Six, p. 359. 
12 



134 HISTORY OP THE UNITED STATES. 

10. Who took command of the British forces in Virginia? 
What towns were captured ? What is said of General La Fayette ? 
What is said of Generals Phillips, Arnold, and Cornwallis ? 

11. What was the first object of Lord Cornwallis? What did 
General La Fayette do ? What town did Cornwallis fortify ? 

12. Why did Washington determine to move with his army to 
Virginia, instead of attacking New York ? With what forces did 
he march, and by whom was he assisted ? Describe the route 
taken. 

13. What did Clinton do as a counterplot? Where did Arnold 
land, and what did he do ? What is said of the capture of Fort 
Griswold ? What is said of New London ? What is now said of 
Arnold ? 

14. Where was General Greene during July and August ? De- 
scribe the battle of Eutaw Springs. To what place did General 
Greene march that night ? 

15. What roused Lord Cornwallis from his fancied security ? 
AVho arrived soon after ? 

16. What was done by the 1st of October ? On the 9th ? What 
took place on the night of the 11th ? How did Cornwallis attempt 
to escape ? After his failure in this attempt, what did he propose ? 
When did the surrender take place, and to whom ? 

17. To what cities was the British power limited ? Where did 
Washington spend the winter ? 

18. Where was the army encamped in April ? Who took com- 
mand of the British army in New York ? What two battles took 
place in Georgia? 

19. Who were appointed by the American government to make 
terms of peace ? When and where was a general treaty signed ? 
When was peace proclaimed in the American army ? 

20. When was the army disbanded ? When were the cities 
occupied by the British evacuated ? When did General Washing- 
ton occupy New York ? 

21. What did General Washington do on the 4th of December? 
On the 23d ? Where was Congress in session ? What did Wash- 
ington then do ? 



THE CONFEDERATION. 135 



THE CONFEDEEATION. 

1. The war having happily terminated, a treaty 
of peace being signed, and the independence of 
the United States acknowledged, it might be supposed that 
prosperity and happiness would wait on a people delivered 
from oppressive rulers, and the cares, anxieties, and horrors 
of war. But such was not the case. At the close of the 
war, Congress, as the representative of the nation, was bur- 
dened with an immense foreign debt. It had no means of 
discharoino; that or its domestic debts ; and the soldiers who 
had fought the battles and endured every hardship of war 
were unpaid. The Articles of Confederation gave Congress 
no power to create a public revenue ; and could only recom- 
mend to the states the levying of taxes to pay the debts 
which had been contracted. 

2. General bankruptcy prevailed, there was no commerce, 
and Congress had no authority to make commercial treaties. 
Insurrections broke out among the people. In 
Massachusetts a large number of discontented 
citizens, headed by Daniel Shay, who had been a captain 
in the Continental army, marched against Worcester, and 
threatened to compel the General Assembly to repeal the 
taxes. General Lincoln, with a large body of miUtia, was 
sent against them ; three were killed, and fourteen of the 
prisoners were found guilty of high treason, but afterwards 
pardoned. On the 11th of September commissioners from 
five states met at Annapolis " to consider the best means of 



186 



HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



remedying the defects of the federal government.'' The 
result of their deliberations was transmitted to Congress, 
which body recommended to the several states the appoint- 
ment of delegates to meet in convention at Philadelphia 
" for the sole and express purpose of revising the Articles 
of Confederation, and reporting to Congress such alterations 
and provisions as should render the federal constitution 
adequate to the wants of the nation. '^ 






THK FEDERAL CONVENTION. 



3. The deleorates from the different states met 

l'S'8'3'. 

in Philadelphia in May, and General Washington 
was chosen president of the convention. All the states 
were represented except Rhode Island. On the 17th of 
September the convention having agreed upon the several 
articles of the Constitution, it was adopted, and signed by 
all the members present. The Constitution thus formed 
was sent to Congress, who forwarded it to the several state 
legislatures for their consideration and approval. 



THE CONFEDERATION. 137 

4. *The Constitution havino; been ratified by a 

1788. , ® "^ 

sufficient number of states, an act was passed by 
Congress, on the IStli of September, appointing the first 
Wednesday in January, 1789, for the people of the United 
States to choose electors of a President, and the first Wed- 
nesday in February for the electors to meet and make a 
choice. The first Wednesday in March was named for the 
meeting of government in the city of New York, being the 
place where the present Congress was then in session. 

Questions on the Confederation. — 1. AVhat was Congress unable 
to do? 

2. What was the condition of the country? Describe Shay's 
insurrection. For what purpose did commissioners meet at An- 
napolis ? What did Congress recommend ? 

3. When and where was the Convention held ? Who was chosen 
to preside ? When was it adopted and signed ? 

4. Wlien was it approved by Cpngress ? What day was named 
for the meeting of the new government ? 

" The Constitution was ratified in all the states but North Caro- 
lina and Rhode Island. It was adopted by both states subse- 
quently. 



12* 



138 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



THE FEDERAL CONSTITUTION. 

WASHINGTON'S ADMINISTRATION. 

1. The members of both Houses of Congress 
assembled in New York at the appointed time, but 
in consequence of a delay in forming a quorum the votes 
of the Electoral College were not counted till April, when 
they were found to be unanimous in favor of Washington. 
On the 16th of April, having been officially notified of his 
election, he set out from Mount Vernon for the seat of 
government. His journey was a continued ovation. He 
was hailed by all classes of people as their deliverer, and 
every town and city through which he passed poured forth 
its thousands to bid him welcome. 

2, At Trenton a triumphal arch was erected on the bridge 
across that stream where, twelve years before, he had been 
attacked by Cornwallis whom he baffled by his retreat 
at midnight. It bore the inscription : — " December 26th, 
1776. The defender of the mothers will be the protector 
of the daughters." As he passed under the arch a number 
of young ladies, dressed in white, strewed flowers in his 
path, and sang an ode descriptive of their veneration and 
gratitude. 

3. The time of the President's inauguration was named 
for the 30tli of April, when the oath of office was adminis- 
tered by Mr. Livingston, chancellor of the state of New 
York, in the presence of an immense multitude. He then 
retired to the Senate chamber, and addressed both houses 



Washington's administration. 139 

with an impressive speech. John Adams was 
elected Vice-President, and the heads of depart- 
ment, and judges were appointed. Thomas Jefferson was 
appointed Secretary of State, Alexander Hamilton Secretary 
of the Treasury, Henry Knox Secretary of War, Edmund 
Randolph Attorney-General, and John Jay Chief Justice. 
The organization of the new government occupied the 
attention of Congress during its first session, which closed 
on the 29th of September, by adjournment to the first 
Monday in January. 

4. During the recess the President set out on a journey 
through the Eastern States, accompanied by his secretaries, 
Major Jackson, and Mr. Lear. Wherever he came "the 
benedictions of the people" were poured forth, and all 
classes hailed him as the Father of his country, and testi- 
fied in every possible wa}' their respect and affection. He 
continued his journey as far as Portsmouth, Nejv Hamp- 
shire, returning to New York on the 13th of November. 

5. Conj^ress reassembled on the 8th of January, 

1790. ° . •^' 

when the session was opened by an address from 
the President, delivered to the members of both houses in 
the Senate chamber. He recommended that provision should 
be made for national defence, for intercourse with foreign 
nations, for the support of public credit, and suggested the 
adoption of many useful laws. Mr. Hamilton, Secretary of 
the Treasury, had been directed by Congress to present a 
plan for retrieving the public credit. The public debt of 
the United States was fifty-four millions of dollars, besides 
twenty-five millions which had been contracted by the 
states individually. About twelve millions were due to 
France, Spain, and Holland. Mr. Hamilton recommended 
that the entire mass of debt should be funded, the Union 
made responsible for it, and taxes imposed for its liqui- 



140 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

dation. The assumption of the state debts met 

1T90. . . 

with much opposition in Congress, and led to 
warm discussions, though it was .finally adopted. For the 
purpose of establishing a revenue, duties were levied on 
imported merchandise, and taxes on the tonnage of vessels. 
The establishment of a permanent seat of government, 
which had been a subject of violent contest, was now set- 
tled by compromise. It was agreed that Congress should 
continue for ten years to hold its sessions in Philadelphia, 
during which time the public buildings should be erected 
at some place on the Potomac. A territory ten miles square 
was ceded by the states of Maryland and Virginia for this 
purpose, afterwards called the District of Columbia. 

6. During this year frequent depredations were made by 
the Indians from the north-west side of the Ohio River on 
our frontier settlements. On the 30th of September an 
expedition under command of General Harmer set out from 
Fort Washington (now Cincinnati). He destroyed the 
principal villages of the Miamis, but his troops were be- 
trayed into an ambush, and routed with great slaughter. 
Another engagement took place on the 21st of October, 
when the Americans were compelled to retreat, leaving the 
dead and wounded in the hands of the enemy. 

7. Congress met on the first Monday of December in 
Philadelphia, which now became the seat of government. 
The Secretary of the Treasury recommended an increase 
of the impost on foreign distilled spirits, and a tax on 

spirits distilled at home, which became a law. A 

1791. \ . 

bill was also introduced for the establishment 
of a national bank, which met with much opposition, 
but it was finally passed by both houses and approved by 
the President. During this session of Congress Vermont 
was admitted into the Union as an independent state. This 



Washington's administration. 141 

state was first settled at Fort Dummer (now Brat- 
^^^^' tleborough) in 1725. Tlie territory was claimed 
both by New York and New Hampshire, and the possession 
warmly contested. But the people of Vermont declared 
their independence, and refused to acknowledge either of 
the claimants. New York relinquished all claim on the 
payment of $30,000. 

8. Another expedition had been fitted out against the 
Indians. General St. Clair, the commander, set out with 
about 1400 men from Fort Washington, and, on the 3d of 
November, encamped near the Miami villages. The next 
morning, half an hour before sunrise, the Indians made a 
sudden^attack on the camp. A severe contest followed, 
lasting for two hours and a half, when the general was 
compelled to order a retreat. In this disastroiis battle the 
Americans lost nearly nine hundred in killed and wounded. 
9. In August, 1792, Kentucky became one of 
^^^^' the states of the Union. The first settlement was 
made at Boonesborough, in 1775, by Colonel Daniel Boone 
and a small party of the hardy sons of the wilderness. Wash- 
ington wished to retire from the presidential office at th« 
termination of the four years for which he was elected, but 
the wishes of friends and the people prevailed on him to 
remain. He was elected for a second t^rm by a unanimous 
vote, and John Adams was re-elected Vice-President. 

10. Washington's second term of office com- 
*^^^' menced at an unfavorable period. The Revolution 
in France had overthrown monarchy and beheaded the 
king, and the existing government had now declared war 
against England. Many persons wished to render assistance 
to France and enable that country to establish a republic. 
But the President, having consulted his cabinet council, ^ 
issued his proclamation, " forbidding the citizens of the 



142 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

United States taking any part in the hostilities on 
the seas, or supplying either party with contraband 
articles." 

11. The French republic had appointed citizen Genet 
minister to the United States. He landed at Charleston, 
South Carohna, and was received with great rejoicing. 
Though aware of the proclamation of neutrality, he author- 
ized the fitting out of privateers to cruise against the vessels 
of a nation with which the United States were at peace. 
Though notified by the government of his violation of the 
neutrality laws, he persevered in his improper course until 
recalled by his government. On the last day of this year 
Mr. Jefi"erson resigned his office of Secretary of State, and 
was succeeded by Mr. Edmund Randolph. 

12. Great excitement was now produced in the 

1794:. 

United States by the acts of the British ministry. 
One of these acts directed English cruisers to detain all 
vessels bound to France with cargoes of corn, flour, or meal, 
and take them into port. Another act authorized the seizure 
of vessels laden with the produce of any French colony, or 
carrying supplies to such colony. In consequence of these 
acts many American vessels were captured. Preparatory 
measures to an expected war were made by Congress, and 
an embargo was laid for thirty days on all foreign trade. 
The British ministry, however, soon after revoked these 
offensive measures, and Mr. John Jay was sent as a special 
envoy to adjust existing difficulties. 

13. General Wayne carried on a successful campaign 
against the hostile Indians west of the Ohio. After all 
overtures for peace were ineffectual, he advanced against 
the enemy, and in a battle (August 20th) on the banks of 
the Maumee Biver he gained a complete and decisive vie- 



Washington's administration. 143 

tory. Their towns were destroyed and the products 

of their fields laid waste. 
14. In the western part of Pennsylvania great opposition 
had been made to the excise law, or tax on spirituous 
liquors. Armed men combined to resist the execution of the 
law, and the officers appointed to enforce it were assailed 
and compelled to fly. The President issued his proclama- 
tion, warning the insurgents to desist, and declared his fixed 
purpose to reduce the refractory to obedience. As they 
persisted in their rebellion, fifteen thousand men, under 
command of Greneral Lee, then governor of Virginia, were 
sent against them. To this overwhelming force the insur- 
gents made no opposition. They laid down their arms and 
gave assurance of submission to the government. Thus 
the " Whiskey Insurrection" was suppressed without blood- 
shed. 

15. Mr. Jay's treaty with Great Britain was 

now received and laid before the Senate. It pro- 
vided for the evacuation of western posts held by the British, 
made provision for compensation for vessels illegally cap- 
tured, secured to British creditors the means of collecting 
debts due before the treaty of peace, and authorized a re- 
stricted commerce between the United States and British 
West India islands. It was violently opposed by many 
persons, but approved by the President and ratified by the 
Senate. 

16. General Wayne, who had brought the war to a suc- 
cessful termination with the Indians north-west of the Ohio, 
now concluded a treaty with them, which was soon after 
ratified. A treaty was made with Spain, which secured to 
the Americans the free navigation of the Blississippi River ; 
and during the year a treaty was made with the Dey and 



144 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

regency of Algiers, whicli liberated many American citizens 
from a long and grievous captivity. 

17. On the 1st of January the French minister, 

1T96. "^ . ' 

Mr. Adet, presented the colors of France, with an 
address, which was replied to by the President. But though 
these friendly manifestations were made at the commence- 
ment of the year, bitter feelings were soon after exhibited 
by the French Republic, in consequence of which it was 
deemed expedient to recall Mr. Monroe, and send Charles 
C. Pinckne}'', with instructions to explain the policy of the 
United States to the French government, and express their 
"wish to maintain amicable relations. 

18. During this year Tennessee was admitted as a state 
into the Union. The first settlement was made in 1757, at 
Fort Loudon, by emigrants from North Carolina. In 1790 
it was ceded by the latter state to the general government, 
and organized into the " Territory south-west of the Ohio." 

19. The time for the presidential election being at hand, 
great anxiety began to be felt whether Washington would 
consent to stand for a third term. This question was soon 
put at rest by the publication of his " Farewell Address," 
in which he announced his intention of retiring from the 
cares and responsibilities of office. This Address was pub- 
lished in September in the " Philadelphia Daily Advertiser," 
and produced a great sensation throughout the country. 
Numerous testimonials were sent in by State Legislatures 
and other public bodies, expressing the greatest respect for 
the President, and regret at his intended retirement. 

20. In February the votes at the recent election 

1797. "^ 

were opened and counted in Congress, when John 
Adams, having the greatest number, was declared President, 
and Thomas Jefferson, having the next number, Vice-Pre- 
sident for four years, their term of office to commence on 



Washington's administration. 145 

the 4tli of March next ensuinoj. 'Washinp;ton's 
term of office ended on the 8d of March, when, 
having remained until the inauguration of his successor, he 
set out for Mount Vernon, that peaceful abode to which he 
had so often turned a wishful eye amidst the cares and 
anxieties of his public life, and where he hoped to pass the 
rest of his days in quiet and serenity. 

Questions on WasJiingtoyi' s Administration. — 1. What is said of 
President Washington's journey to the seat of government? 

2. Give an account of his reception at Trenton. 

3. When did the President take the oath of office ? Who viras 
elected Vice-President ? 

4. What did the President do in the recess? How far did he 
extend his journey ? 

5. What did the President recommend? What debts were due 
by the national government ? By individual states? What mea- 
sures w^ere adopted for payment ? What was done to establish a 
revenue ? What measure was adopted respecting the seat of 
government ? By what states was a territory ceded ? What was 
it called ? 

6. Describe General Harmer's expedition against the Indians. 

7. When and where did Congress now meet? What acts were 
passed ? When was Vermont admitted into the Union ? When 
was this state first settled ? 

8. Describe General St. Clair's expedition against the Indians. 

9. When -was Kentucky admitted as a state ? When, where, and 
by whom was the first settlement made? What is said of Wash- 
ington ? Mr. Adams ? 

10. What proclamation was issued by the President ? 

11. Who was sent as minister from France to the United States? 
How did he violate the neutrality laws ? 

12. What acts were passed by the British government injurious 
to American commerce ? What act was passed by Congress in 
consequence? Who was sent to adjust difficulties? 

13. Describe General Wayne's campaign against the Indians? 

13 



146 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

14. What law was resisted in Pennsylvania? What did the 
President do ? Who was sent against the insurgents ? 

15. What were the provisions of Jay's treaty? Was it approved? 

16. What other treaties were made ? Give their stipulations ? 

17. What was done by the French minister on the 1st of Janu- 
ary ? For what purpose was Mr. Pinckney sent to France ? 

18. When was Tennessee admitted into the Union ? When and 
by whom was the first settlement made ? By whom was it ceded 
to the general government, and what was it called ? 

19. What did President Washington publish ? What effect was 
produced by his Farewell Address ? 

20. Who were elected President and Vice-President ? What 
day did they enter on their duties ? Relate what is said of Wash- 
ington. 



JOHN ADAMS' ADMINISTRATION. 
1. Soon after Mr. Adams became President, he 

1T97. . . . . 

issued a proclamation for a special meeting of Con- 
gress, in consequence of the threatening aspect of affairs in 
France. Mr. Pinckney, who succeeded Mr. Monroe as 
minister to that country, was treated with studied neglect 
and insult, and ordered to leave the country, the French 
government refusing to receive or acknowledge him as the 
envoy of the United States. The French cruisers captured 
a large number of American merchant vessels, and confis- 
cated their cargoes. Congress assembled on the 15th of 
May, and adopted measures to maintain the honor of the 
nation, by resisting the encroachments of France. 

2. In pursuance of the policy recommended by the Pre- 
sident, of effecting an amicable adjustment of differences 
by negotiation, three envoys extraordinary were appointed 
to the French Republic, namely, Charles Cotesworth Pinck- 



ADAMS' ADMINISTRATION. 147 

ney, Jolm Marshall, and Elbridge Gerry. The 
new envoys met in Paris (October 4tli), and sent 
notice of their arrival to the government. A secret agent 
waited on them, and intimated that a loan of money to the 
Kepublic, and a present to the French Directory, would 
open the way to a negotiation. ^' We will not give you one 
cent/' was the spirited reply of the American envoys. 

3. Government now resolved on vigorous mea- 
sures, and Congress authorized the President to 

enlist ten thousand men as a provisional army, to be called 
into service in case of hostilities. Washington was appointed 
commander-in-chief. An act was also passed, authorizing 
the commanders of public armed vessels, and granting 
commissions to private vessels, to capture French armed 
vessels. 

4. In consequence of the latter-named act, a 

1799. ^ 

number of French armed vessels were captured. 
The French frigate L'Insurgente was taken by the Constel- 
lation, Commodore Truxtun, after a sharp action, lasting an 
hour and a quarter. The prize was manned and sent to the 
United States. The President, having received an intima- 
tion that the French government were willing to negotiate, 
appointed three envoys, who were confirmed by the Senate, 
and soon after proceeded to France. The envoys appointed 
were Messrs. William V. Murray, W. K. Davie, and Oliver 
Ellsworth. 

5. But all public affairs were now lost sight of and ab- 
sorbed by a domestic calamity, which filled every heart with 
the deepest sorrow. This was the news of the death of that 
best of men and most unselfish of patriots, George Washing- 
ton. He died on the 14th of December, after one day's 
illness, brought on by exposure to a cold rain while riding 
over his estate. Congress adopted suitable testimonials of 



148 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

profound respect for liis memory, and appointed a 
committee to devise the most suitable manner of 
doing honor to the memory of the man '' first in war, first 
in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen/' 

6. As there now aj^peared some prospect of a 
favorable adjustment of difficulties with France, 
warlike preparations by land were abandoned, though com- 
mercial intercourse still continued, as well as the arming 
of merchant vessels. Commodore Truxtun, while cruising 
off Guadaloupe, discovered a large vessel, to which he gave 
chase! It was the French frigate La Vengeance, of fifty 
guns, which was overtaken by the Constellation, and a 
running fire kept up for several hours. The French vessel 
was silenced, but before Truxtun could take possession of 
his prize, she managed to escape in the darkness of the 
night, with a hundred and fifty men killed or wounded 
(February 1st). 

7. The removal of the seat of government from Philadel- 
phia to Washington took place in the course of the summer, 
and Congress met in the Federal city in November. A 
treaty of peace was now made with the French government, 
at the head of which was Napoleon Bonaparte. 

8. The votes of the electors for President showed 

1801. 

that no one of the candidates had a majority of the 
whole number of votes. jMr. Jefferson and Mr. Burr had 
each seventy-three votes, Mr. Adams sixty-five, and Mr. 
Pinckney sixty-four. The decision consequently had to be 
made by the House of Representatives. The contest now 
was between Burr and Jefferson, and thirty-five ballots were 
taken without electing either of the candidates. But at the 
thirty-sixth ballot some of Burr's supporters gave way, and 
Mr. Jefferson was elected, and Mr. Burr, being the second 
in choice, became Vice-President. 



Jefferson's administration. 149 

Questions on John Adams'' Administration. — 1. How was Mr. 
Pinckney treated in France? What was done by the French 
cruisers ? When did Congress assemble ? 

2. Who were now sent to France ? What intimation was made 
to them ? What was their answer ? 

3. What vigorous measures were adopted by Congress? Who 
was appointed commander-in-chief? 

4. What vessel Avas captured by Commodore Truxtun? What 
envoys were now sent to the French Republic ? 

5. Why were all public affairs lost sight of? When did Wash- 
ington die ? What was the committee of Congress appointed to 
devise ? 

6. What is said of a naval engagement in 1800 ? 

7. When was the seat of government removed from Philadelphia 
to Washington ? How long was the seat of government in the 
former city ? What treaty was made ? 

8. Give the result of the presidential election. Who was elected 
President by the House of Representatives ? Who became Vice- 
President ? In what year ? 



THOMAS JEFFERSON'S ADMINISTRATION. 

1. At the commencement of Mr. Jefferson's 
*^^** administration, the United States were at peace 
with the whole world. The revenue was abundant, com- 
merce flourishing, and the President was not harassed by 
foreign wars or domestic insurrections. But this halcyon 
state was of short continuance. Much insolence was dis- 
played by the Barbary States, to whom the United States 
paid large sums in annual tribute. The Bey of Tripoli had 
received a gross sum for the purchase of a treaty, but, 
dissatisfied with not receiving a sum annually, he declared 
war against the United States. 



150 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

2. Commodore Dale was sent with four ships into 
the Mediterranean, On his arrival at Gibraltar he 

found two cruisers watching for American vessels. These 
were blockaded by the Philadelphia frigate, while Bain- 
bridge was giving convoy to the American merchant vessels. 
Dale, in the ship President, followed by the schooner 
Experiment, set off to cruise off the harbor of Tripoli. On 
their way the Experiment captured a Tripolitan cruiser, 
after an action of three hours. 

3. As the territorv now constitutino; the state 

1803. , "^ , . f . 

of Ohio had the requisite number of inhabitants, 
it was admitted as a state into the Union. It originally 
formed part of the North-West Territory, and was first 
settled at Marietta in 1788, by emigrants from the New 
England States. Ohio had increased with wonderful ra- 
pidity, although not settled at the close of the Revolution. 

4. Much trouble had been anticipated by the 
refusal of the Spanish to allow the Americans the 

free navigation of the Mississippi River, and it was feared 
that the closing of the port of New Orleans to the pro- 
ductions of the United States would occasion war, or the 
alienation of the western states bordering on the Mississippi. 
Accordingly negotiations were opened for the purchase of 
the country of Louisiana. It had been ceded to France in 
1800. Bonaparte, knowing that France could not retain it 
against the naval power of England, sold it to the United 
States for fifteen millions of dollars, out of which sum three 
million seven hundred and fifty thousand dollars were to be 
paid to American citizens for claims on France, 

5.^ The war with Tripoli still continuing, a fleet under 
command of Commodore Edward Preble was sent out to 
relieve the ships which had been so long on duty in the 
Mediterranean. The Philadelphia, "commanded by Captain 



Jefferson's administration. 151 

Bainbridge, while pursuing a vessel attempting to 
enter the harbor, ran with great force upon a 
sunken rock, where she remained fixed, and the brave 
commander was obliged to surrender. The captain and 
officers were treated with comparative indulgence, but the 
men were reduced to slavery. The vessel was soon after 
set afloat and towed into the harbor. 

6, Soon after the loss of the Philadelphia, it was 
suggested to Commodore Preble to destroy that 
vessel, then refitting in the harbor of Tripoli. This adven- 
turous operation was intrusted to Lieutenant Decatur. He 
set sail from Syracuse in a vessel taken from the enemy, 
and named the Intrepid. He entered the harbor of Tripoli 
in the evening, and at midnight boarded the captured 
frigate, overcame the guard, set fire to the vessel, and 
retreated without loss or injury. 

7. Great excitement prevailed in the public mind in 
consequence of a duel between Vice-President Burr and 
General Hamilton, in which the latter was killed. Burr, 
fearful of arrest for murder, escaped to the south, and waited 
till the public indignation had in some measure subsided. 
Hamilton was universally lamented, as he was a statesman 
of rare qualification, and fitted to adorn any station. 

8. The blockade of Tripoli was kept up through the 
summer, and several attacks were made on the city. Soon 
after, a new squadron arrived, and Commodore Barron, who 
had superseded Commodore Preble, now took the command. 
But new alarms of hostilities on the part of Morocco made 
it necessary for a part of the fleet to cruise near Gibraltar; 
and at Tripoli nothing was done beyond keeping up the 
blockade. 

9. When the votes for President and Vice-President 
were counted, it was found that Mr. Jeff'erson was re-elected 



152 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

President. George Clinton was elected Vice- 

1S05. * 

President for four years from tlie 4tli of March. 
Tlie war with Tripoli still continued. Hamet, the brother 
of the reigning bashaw of Tripoli, and who had been 
deprived of his sovereignty and driven into exile, was now 
sought out by William Eaton, American consul at Tunis, 
and an army raised to make a land attack on Tripoli. They 
set out from Alexandria, and, after a weary march through 
the desert, attacked and captured Derne, a city belonging 
to Tripoli. But soon after, a treaty of peace was made by 
Mr. Lear, consul at Algiers, with the Tripolitans. This 
treaty provided for an exchange of prisoners, but as the 
bashaw had two hundred more prisoners than the Americans, 
sixty thousand dollars were paid for their liberation, and no 
farther aid was to be extended to Hamet. 

10. The wars of Europe furnished a vast amount 
1806. . ^ 

of trade to American vessels, who, being neutrals, 

carried on the commerce of Europe, and supplied all its 
ports with manufactured goods and agricultural productions. 
The British government became dissatisfied with this com- 
merce with France, and, to prevent it, an order was issued, 
declaring the coast of France, from Brest to the river Elbe, 
in a state of blockade. Napoleon, the same year, issued 
what is known as the Berlin Decree, declaring the British 
Islands in a state of blockade. In consequence of these 
acts great numbers of American vessels were taken by both 
British and French cruisers, and their cargoes confiscated. 
Another grievance arose from the practice by Great Britain 
of impressing American seamen, claiming them as British 
subjects. 

11. Aaron Burr, the late Vice-President of the 
United States, was brought to trial for high treason. 

He had collected a large number of men and boats, and it 



Jefferson's administration. 153 

was cliarged on liim that lie designed to effect a 
separation of the Western States from the Union, 

or make an attack on the Spanish provinces of Mexico. 

But in both cases the jury found him not guilty, and this 

ended the prosecution. 

12. By an order from a British admiral, the frigate 
Chesapeake, Commodore Barron, which was leaving her 
port for the Mediterranean, was attacked by the British 
ship Leopard. Three men were killed, eighteen wounded, 
and four taken as deserters from the British navy. This 
outrage produced great excitement throughout the country, 
and the President by proclamation ordered all British armed 
vessels to leave the harbors of the United States, and for- 
bade all intercourse with them. 

13. In November, the British government issued the 
celebrated " Orders in Council," prohibiting any neutral 
trade with France, except licensed in a British port. Soon 
after, Napoleon issued the " Milan Decree," forbidding all 
trade with England and her colonies, and making vessels 
sailing from England lawful prizes, thus exposing all 
American vessels to seizure by one or other of the con- 
tending powers. In December, Congress laid an embargo 
on American ships, which they hoped would compel Eng- 
land and France to repeal decrees so ruinous to American 
commerce. 

14. The embargo, however, failed of its destined 

1 809. 

effect, and it was bitterly opposed at home, as 
putting an end to all commerce with foreign nations. It 
was repealed by Congress, and an act interdicting all 
commerce with France and England substituted in its 
place. Mr. Jefferson having declined a re-election, James 
Madison was elected President, and George Clinton Vice- 
President. 



154 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

Questions on Thomas Jefferson's Administration. — 1. Who declared 
war against the United States, and why ? 

2. Describe Commodore Dale's expedition against Tripoli. 

3. When was Ohio admitted into the Union ? Where and when 
was it first settled ? By whom ? 

4. What large territory was purchased from France? How 
much was paid for it ? How much of the purchase-money was 
retained for claims due by France ? 

5. Who commanded the fleet now sent against Tripoli ? What 
happened to the Philadelphia ? 

6. Who undertook the destruction of that vessel ? Relate the 
circumstances. 

7. What excitement prevailed ? What is said of Hamilton ? 

8. What further is said of the war with Tripoli ? Who took 
command of the fleet ? What other nation seemed to be hostile ? 

9. What was the result of the presidential election ? Describe 
a land attack made on Tripoli. By whom was it conducted? 
By whom was a treaty of peace made ? What were its pro- 
visions ? 

10. What order was issued by the Bi-itish government? What 
by Napoleon ? What was the consequence of these two acts ? 
What other grievance arose ? 

11. What charge was made against Aaron Burr? 

12. What American vessel was attacked by the British ship 
Leopard ? Give the result. 

13. What was decreed by the "Orders in Council?" What by 
the "Milan Decree?" What act was passed by Congress in con- 
sequence ? 

14. What is said of the Embargo ? When it was repealed, 
what act was substituted? Who were elected President and 
Vice-President ? 



Madison's administration. 155 



JAMES MADISON'S ADMINISTRATION. 

1. Mr. Madison entered on tlie duties of Lis 

1809. 

office at a time when tlie country was beset with 
difficulties and dangers. Commerce had been paralyzed by 
the embargo, and England and France persisted in their 
obnoxious measures. Soon after his accession, however, a 
prospect of conciliation was afforded by the assurance of 
Mr. Erskine, the British minister, that the " Orders in 
Council" should be repealed by the 10th of June. The 
President therefore gave notice that commercial intercourse 
would be renewed on that day. The British ministry, how- 
ever, disavowed the acts of their minister, and non-inter- 
course with England was again proclaimed. Mr. Erskine 
was recalled, and succeeded by Mr, Jackson, whose conduct 
was so offensive to the American government, that the Pre- 
sident declined all communication with him. 

2. The next year Napoleon issued a decree, by 
which American vessels arriving in any of the 

ports of France were to be seized ; but in November the 
decree was repealed, and commercial intercourse between 
the United States and France renewed. England still con- 
tinued her hostile measures, and intercepted the American 
merchant vessels, sending them into British ports as lawful 
prizes. 

3. Commodore Rogers, in the frigate President, 

1811« o J o ' 

encountered a British vessel on the coast, which he 
hailed ; but the commander of the unknown vessel, instead 
of replying, fired a gun. The fire was promptly returned 
by Commodore Rogers, and the guns of the stranger 
silenced. On hailing again the answer was given that the 



156 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

vessel was tlie " Little Belt/' commanded by Cap- 

1811. . . . . ' J f 

tain Bingham. The British vessel had eleven men 
killed and twenty-one wounded, and the x\merican vessel 
one man wounded. 

4. The Indians on the western frontiers had now become 
hostilcj and General Harrison, governor of Indiana Ter- 
ritory, marched against the tribes on the Wabash. On his 
approach to their town the chiefs proposed a conference, 
and requested him to encamp for the night. But Harrison 
knew the treachery of the Indian character, and ordered 
his men to sleep on their arms. Before morning the camp 
was furiously assailed, and a fierce battle ensued, which 
resulted in the defeat of the Indians. This battle takes 
its name from the Tippecanoe, on whose banks it was 
fought. 

5. During this year Louisiana was admitted into 

the Union. The first settlement was made in 1699 
by a French company, conducted by D'Iberville, a brave 
and intelligent naval officer. In 1762 the territory was 
ceded to Spain, and continued under Spanish rule until 
1800, when it was retroceded to France, and by that nation 
conveyed to the United States. (See JeiTerson's Adminis- 
tration.) 

6. As there seemed to be no prospect of an accommoda- 
tion with Great Britain, Congress made preparations for 
hostilities, laid an embargo for ninety days on all vessels 
within the jurisdiction of the United States, and, on the 
18th of June, declared war against that nation. Exertions 
were made to raise a large army, to enlist men, and call out 
the militia. General Dearborne, an officer of the Revolu- 
tion, was appointed commander-in-chief. 

7. General Hull, the governor of Michigan Territory, 
crossed the river Detroit into Canada with a force of two 



Madison's administration. 157 

thousand men, and encamped at Sandwicli rjiily 
1813. ' ^ . y J 

12tli). While Hull was inactive in camp, the fort 
at Mackinaw was surprised by a party of British, and its 
surrender demanded. This was the first intimation the 
garrison had of the existence of war between the two 
countries. The demand could not be resisted, and a strong 
post was thus lost to the United States (July 17th). 

8. The loss of this post, the defeat of a detachment, the 
seizure of his supplies by the enemy, and the inability on 
the part of the American general to maintain a communi- 
cation with the government, determined him to fall back 
on Detroit and act on the defensive. Here he was attacked 
by General Brock, with a force of British and Indians. 
The guns were ready to open on the advancing column, 
when, to the surprise of his men, Hull offered to capitulate. 
The terms were accepted by the British general, and De- 
troit and the whole territory of Michigan were surrendered 
to the enemy. 

9. A second army, under General Dearborne, had assem- 
bled on Lake Champlain, with a force of militia at different 
points on the St. Lawrence River; and a third army, under 
General Van Rensselaer was collected along the Niagara 
River, from Fort Niagara to Buffalo. A part of this army 
crossed the river (October 13th) and stormed a battery 
which had opened a severe fire upon them. Van Rensse- 
laer was severely wounded, and the British general. Brock, 
was killed. The battle was continued for several hours, 
but the militia on the American side refused to embark, 
denying the general's constitutional right to march them 
into Canada, and, the British being reinforced, the brave 
troops on the Canada side were obliged to surrender. The 
total loss, in killed, wounded, and prisoners, was upwards 
of a thousand. General Van Rensselaer resigned his com- 

14 



158 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

mand and was succeeded by General Smytli, but 

1813. . 

nothing effectual was accomplisbed by either army 
during the year. 

10. But, although failure had attended the land forces, 
the navy had performed some brilliant achievements. The 
Essex, Captain Porter, captured the British sloop Alert, 
and being soon pursued by the enemy's blockading squadron, 
escaped into the Delaware. The Constitution, Captain Hull, 
while cruising off the coast, encountered a British frigate, 
the Gruerriere, which opened a fire on the approach of the 
American vessel (August 19th). The fire was not, how- 
ever, returned until the Constitution obtained a favorable 
position, when broadside after broadside was fired in rapid 
succession. All the masts of the Guerriere were shot away, 
and her hull was greatly damaged. She had seventy-eight 
killed and wounded, and was obliged to surrender. The 
wreck was set on fire and blown up, and the Constitution 
returned with her prisoners to Boston. 

11. The next naval engagement, in point of time, was 
between the sloop of war Wasp, commanded by Captain 
Jacob Jones, and the British brig Frolic (October 13th). 
After a raking fire on the part of the Americans, the British 
vessel was boarded, and presented a dreadful scene of car- 
nage, with none at their posts except the man at the wheel, 
who continued ftdthful to his trust. The wounded officers 
made signals of surrender, and the flag was lowered by the 
American lieutenant. Soon after the battle, both vessels 
were taken by the Poictiers, seventy-four gun ship, and 
carried into Bermuda. 

12. On the 25th of October, the United States, Captain 
Decatur, gave chase to a vessel near the Azores, which 
proved to be the Macedonian. In the action which ensued, 
the rigging of the Macedonian was greatly damaged, her 



Madison's administration. 159 

masts shot away, and upwards of a hundred of her 
^^^^' men killed and wounded. The two vessels were 
taken into Newport, and thence, through Long Island 
Sound, to New York. 

13. The last naval triumph of this year was the capture 
of the British frigate Java, by the Constitution, now com- 
manded by Captain Bainbridge, off the coast of Brazil 
(December 29th). The Java's masts were shot away, her 
commander and twenty-two of her crew killed, and upwards 
of a hundred wounded. In consequence of the distance 
from home, Captain Bainbridge deemed it too hazardous to 
attempt taking his prize into port. She was therefore set 
on fire, and the Constitution, with her gallant crew, returned 
to the United States. 

14. During this year, George Clinton, the Vice-President, 
died, and, at the presidential election, Mr. Madison was 
re-elected President, and Elbridge Gerry Vice-President. 
General Harrison, who had been appointed to the command 
of the western army, destined to march against the enemy 
at Detroit, was busily employed in forwarding provisions to 
Fort Defiance, Port McArthur, and Upper Sandusky, with 
the intention of concentrating his troops at the falls of the 
Maumee River ; but he was unable to advance against the 
enemy until January. 

15. Orders were now sent to General Winchester, 
^^^^* in command of the Kentucky troops at Fort Defi- 
ance, to move down the Maumee and occupy the Rapids. 
A detachment was sent against the British and Indians 
occupying Frenchtown, on the river Raisin. A sudden 
attack dislodged the enemy, and General Winchester arrived 
soon after and took the command. The morning after his 
arrival his camp was assaulted by a British column from 
Maiden, commanded by Colonel Proctor (January 22d). 



160 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

The Americans were put to flight and many taken 
prisoners, among whom was General Winchester. 
The prisoners were taken to Maiden, with the exception 
of the wounded, who were left at Frenchtown. The next 
day a band of Indians broke into the houses where the 
wounded lay and massacred them ; the British guard being 
unable or unwilling to protect them. Harrison now ad- 
vanced to the Rapids, and took his position at Fort Meigs. 

16. A naval engagement, off the mouth of the Demarara, 
occurred between the Hornet, Captain Lawrence, and the 
British brig Peacock. After a brief, but very severe 
engagement, the Peacock struck her flag, hoisting a signal 
of distress. It was then found that the brig was sinking. 
Before the prisoners could be transferred to the Hornet, 
the prize suddenly went down, carrying with her nine of 
her own men and three of the Hornet's. Lawrence set out 
for home, and arrived safely in New York. 

17. In April, Fort Meigs was besieged by the British and 
Indians from Maiden, under Colonel Proctor. Soon after, 
General Clay, with twelve hundred Kentucky volunteers, 
arrived. The troops landed and attacked the batteries, but 
were in turn surprised by Proctor, and made prisoners, with 
the exception of- one hundred and fifty, who escaped into 
the fort. A sortie from the fort destroyed the battery on 
the south bank of the river, and Proctor, fearing the arrival 
of more volunteers, retired to Maiden. 

18. Commodore Chauncey, having now a fleet on Lake 
Ontario, consisting of the Madison, the Oneida, and eleven 
armed schooners, it was resolved to attack """York, the 
capital of Upper Canada. A detachment of sixteen hun- 
dred from General Dearborne's army crossed the lake in 

* Now " Toronto." 



Madison's administration. 161 

this flotilla, and effected a landino; on the 27th of 

1813. . ' '^ 

April. General Pike led on the troops, and the 
enemy fled ; but the explosion of a magazine killed or 
wounded two hundred of the Americans, Gleneral Pike 
himself mortally. The town soon after capitulated, and the 
troops re-embarked for Fort Niagara. Dearborne's army 
having been reinforced, a landing was efiected in Canada, 
the light troops, under Scott and Forsyth, leading the Way. 
Fort George was abandoned by the British, and all the 
British posts on the Niagara were soon after evacuated. 
The enemy now made an attack on Sackett's Harbor, 
during Commodore Chauncey's absence, and, having effected 
a landing, destroyed the barracks and magazine. A severe 
action ensued, and the assailants were driven back to their 
ships. General Brown, who commanded the militia, was 
promoted to the rank of brigadier-general in the regular 
army (May 29th). 

19. Lawrence, the brave commander of the Hornet, now 
made captain, had command of the Chesapeake, then block- 
aded in Boston harbor. When the Chesapeake was nearly 
ready for sea, the Shannon, Captain Broke, appeared alone 
off the harbor. Lawrence, regarding this as a challenge, 
hastened to a deadly encounter. The crew of the Chesa- 
peake were discontented, and her most efiicient officers were 
on the sick list. But the commander did not hesitate to 
follow the Shannon some distance out to sea, where the 
engagement commenced (June 1st). In consequence of 
an accident to the Chesapeake's sails she became exposed 
to a raking fire, when Lawrence himself fell mortally 
wounded. The enemy now boarded, took possession of 
the ship, and carried her to Halifax, where Captain Law- 
rence was buried with military honors. 

20. Chesapeake Bay was invaded by a British squadron, 
14* 



162 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

wliich carried a large body of troops, many of wliom 
*^^^* were of the worst class of society. They first 
made an attack on Norfolk, which was gallantly repulsed. 
They then landed at Hampton, which they captured, and 
were guilty of the most shocking brutalities. Frenchtown, 
Havre-de-Orace, Georgetown, and Frederick were burned, 
and considerable alarm was excited on the coasts of Dela- 
ware Bay by the bombardment of Lewes, a village near Cape 
Henlopen. 

21. For some time nothing had been effected on the 
western frontier. General Harrison was waiting for rein- 
forcements, and the armies at *Fort George and *Burling- 
ton were inoperative for want of commanders. Proctoi:, on 
the 21st of July, advanced against Fort Meigs, but failing 
to induce the garrison to sally out, he advanced against 
Fort Stephenson, at Lower Sandusky. This post was 
gallantly defended by Major Croghan. He repulsed the 
enemy, who retreated that night, and returned to Maiden. 
The Argus, sloop of war. Captain Allen, captured twenty- 
one merchant vessels in the British Channel. An engage- 
ment took place, on the 13th of August, between that 
vessel and the British sloop of war Pelican, when the 
Argus was captured, and her brave commander mortally 
wounded. Another naval action took place on the 5th of 
September, between the American brig Enterprise and the 
British brig Boxer. The Enterprise struck her colors after a 
severe engagement, in which both commanders were killed. 
22. An Indian war now broke out in Georgia and Ala- 
bama. A large body of the Creeks commenced hostilities 
by murdering" the whites. The inliabitants in the south- 

* The American army at Fort George and the British at Bur- 
lington. 



Madison's administration. 163 

west of Alabama collected in forts, one of which, 

1813. . . , ' 

Fort Mimms, on the Alabama River, was surprised 
by the Indians, and its inmates, with the exception of a 
few who escaped, were massacred. General Jackson, with 
an army, marched against them, and defeated them at 
Talladega, Attossee, and Tallushatchee. 

23. Oliver H. Perry, a young naval officer, having, by 
energy and perseverance, equipped a small fleet at Erie, 
Pennsylvania, sailed for Maiden, to offer battle to the enemy. 
His fleet consisted of nine vessels, carrying fifty-four guns. 
The British fleet consisted of six vessels, carrying sixty-three 
guns, commanded by Commodore Barclay. The two fleets 
met on the 10th of September, at an early hour in the 
morning, but, the wind being light, they did not come to 
close action until noon. The enemy's fire concentrated on 
the Lawrence, Perry's flag-ship, and continued for more 
than two hours, dismounting her guns, disabling her sails, 
making her almost a wreck, and producing great slaughter. 
Perry now took a boat and passed to the Niagara, com- 
manded by Captain Elliott. 

24. The British ships were now thrown into disorder, 
and the Niagara passing through their line discharged a 
succession of broadsides with such terrific eff"ect, that the 
enemy's vessels all surrendered. The battle lasted three 
hours, with a loss of about one hundred and fifty men on 
each side in killed and wounded. Commodore Perry now 
took General Harrison's troops on board, and conveyed them 
to the Canada side. Proctor retreated immediately from 
Fort Maiden. Harrison set out in pursuit, and, on arriving 
opposite Detroit, was joined by Colonel Johnson's mounted 
regiment. 

25. The pursuit was continued, and on the 4th of Octo- 
ber Harrison came up with the rear of Proctor's army, 



164 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

and captured his stores and ammunition. The 
1813. ^ 

next day the mam body was overtaken near the 

Moravian town on the Thames River, the regulars being 
supported by Tecumseh and a band of Indians. The 
regulars were attacked by Johnson's mounted men, and 
completely broken at the first charge, when they threw 
down their arms and surrendered. Proctor and two hun- 
dred escaped by timely flight. The Indians fought bravely 
for some time, but Tecumseh having fallen, they made a 
precipitate retreat. The American loss was seventeen 
killed, and thirty wounded, among whom was Colonel 
Johnson himself very severely, General Cass, who was 
now appointed governor of Michigan, was left with his 
brigade to garrison Detroit, and General Harrison with his 
regulars embarked for Bufialo, to co-operate with the army 
on Lake Ontario for the conquest of Upper Canada. 

26. The Creek War in Alabama still continued. 
Early in January, General Jackson marched to the 
relief of General Floyd, but was attacked by a large force 
with great spirit. Though the Indians were repulsed, 
Jackson deemed it advisable to fall back to Fort Strother, 
where he was attacked by the Creeks (January 24th). On 
the 27th, the Indians assailed Floyd's camp, and were 
repelled, after a severe struggle. General Jackson was now 
reinforced by four thousand Tennessee militia, a regiment 
of regulars, and a large number of friendly Indians. With 
this force he marched to the Great Bend of the river Talla- 
poosa. Here he found the main body of the enemy were 
strongly posted at Tohopeka, or the Horse-Shoe Bend. 
The battle continued with great obstinacy for five hours, 
when the Indians were defeated with great slaughter. Very 
few prisoners were taken, except women and children. 
This battle put an end to the war. The Indians made no 



Madison's aDxMinistration. 165 

further resistance, but submitted to the victorious 

1814:. 

general, with the exception of a portion of the 
tribe who escaped to Florida. 

27. The Essex, Commodore Porter, had been very suc- 
cessful on the Pacific Ocean. Having returned to Valpa- 
raiso, she was attacked by two vessels, the frigate Phcebe 
and the sloop of war Cherub. After a desperate resistance 
against this unequal force, Porter was compelled to surrender 
(March 28th). On the 21st of April, the new sloop of war 
Frolic was captured by the British frigate Orpheus. The 
Peacock, Captain Warrington, captured the brig Epervier, 
with $118,000 in specie, and carried her prize into Savan- 
nah (April 27th). The Wasp, Captain Blakely, captured 
and destroyed the Reindeer, near the Enghsh Channel, and 
then put into L'Orient for repairs. 

28. The next important event of the year was another 
invasion of Canada. The expedition was conducted by 
General Brown, assisted by Generals Scott and Ripley. 
Crossing the Niagara from Buifalo, they came to Fort Erie 
early in the morning of July 3d. The small garrison 
holding this post surrendered the same day, without re- 
sistance. The next day, General Scott led the advance 
against General Riall, at Chippewa, and having driven in 
the British outposts, he was joined by General Brown, with 
the rest of the army. 

29. On the 5th, the British advanced on the Americans, 
and the battle commenced with skirmishes of the light 
troops. The British were driven back by General Porter, 
but finding the main army under General Riall advancing, 
they rallied and in turn attacked Porter, whose light troops 
broke and fled. At this juncture, General Scott's brigade 
was moving forward, and soon encountered the main army 
under General Riall, which had crossed the Chippewa, and 



166 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

formed on the plain. Major Jessup attacked tlie 
enemy on the right wing, and, after a severe 
encounter, caused them to retire. General Scott ordered 
his men to charge, which they did so effectually, supported 
by Towson's artillery, that the British broke and fled, fairly 
routed in an open plain. They fled to their intrenchments 
beyond the Chippewa, closely pursued by General Scott, 
who took a large number of prisoners. 

30. After the battle of Chippewa, General Riall reinforced 
the forts near the mouth of the Niagara River, and then 
retired to Burlington Heights, near the head of Lake 
Ontario. On the 25th of July, General Brown received 
information that the enemy were crossing the Niagara 
River at Queenstown. He immediately despatched General 
Scott, with a detachment of thirteen hundred men, to 
threaten the forts at the mouth of the Niagara. Just above 
the Falls, Scott learned that the enemy was drawn up in 
force to oppose him. Supposing that it was a remnant of 
the British army, he dashed forward to disperse them, and 
was astonished to find the whole British army drawn up in 
order of battle on Lundy's Lane. 

81. Notwithstanding the disparity of numbers, however, 
Scott gallantly maintained his position, and sent to General 
Brown to hasten up the reserved forces. The battle com- 
menced a little before sunset, and continued till midnight. 
General Riall was wounded in the onset, and, with several 
other officers, was made prisoner. About nine o'clock. 
General Brown came to the relief of Scott, and directed 
General Ripley to form a new line with the advancing 
forces, and thus relieve General Scott's exhausted troops. 
The enemy's battery on an adjoining eminence commanded 
the field of action. In order to obtain the victory, it was 
necessary to seize this battery. This duty was assigned to 



madis(m's administration. 167 

Colonel Miller, who, on being asked if lie could 
take the battery, answered, " I will try/' He 
advanced steadily and gallantly to tbe charge, captured the 
position, and seized the cannon. The British made desperate 
attempts to recover their lost ground, but failed in each 
attempt, and the contest closed by the field of battle 
remaining in possession of the Americans. 

32. G-eneral Scott was severely wounded in this battle. 
He had two horses shot under him, and was finally disabled 
from a musket-ball through his shoulder. General Brown 
was also wounded, but did not at once resign the command. 
The army fell back to Chippewa, but learning that General 
Drummond with a large British column was fast approaching, 
General Brown fell back to Fort Erie, of which post he 
directed General Gaines to take the command. On the 3d 
of August, General Drummond arrived at Fort Erie, and 
commenced his preparations for a siege. On the 13th he 
commenced a cannonade, and, on the 15th, attempted to 
storm the works. The assailants were met and repulsed 
on every side, one column only proving for a short time 
successful. This party got possession of an exterior bastion, 
but soon after were driven out by the explosion of a 
quantity of cartridges in a small stone building within it. 
The enemy lost in this unsuccessful attack more than nine 
hundred men. 

33. While the British were besieging Fort Erie, a suc- 
cessful invasion was made by a fleet under Admiral Coch- 
rane, which resulted in the capture of Washington. The 
fleet, with four thousand five hundred troops under General 
Ross, entered the Chesapeake Bay on the 18th of August, 
and disembarked on the 20th at Benedict, on the Patuxent, 
without opposition. Commodore Barney, who had command 
of a flotilla of gun-boats, destroyed them on the approach 



168 HISTORY OP THE UNITE*) STATES. 

of the enemy, and thus nothing opposed their 
march until they reached Bladensburg, 

34. General Winder made a stand at the latter place, 
and was attacked by the enemy on the 24th. The battle 
commenced at one o'clock, and lasted till four, when the 
Americans were obliged to give way, and the British 
marched the same evening into Washington. The Secre- 
tary of the Navy ordered the destruction of the stores in 
the Navy Yard, and the burning of two vessels, to prevent 
their falling into the hands of the British. The President 
and his cabinet officers^ and the principal inhabitants, fled 
on the approach of the British troops. The British burned 
the Capitol, the President's House, the Treasury and War 
Offices, the State Department, the Library of Congress, 
the bridge across the Potomac, and several unoifending 
private dwellings. The next night they left the sacked 
and plundered city, and, after four days' march, arrived 
at Benedict, where they re-embarked. A detachment 
of Cochrane's fleet sailed up the Potomac, and anchored 
before Alexandria, which surrendered at discretion, giving 
up twenty-one merchant vessels, and a large quantity of 
merchandise, with which the enemy successfully retreated, 
the Americans being unable to make any effective oppo- 
sition. 

35. The Wasp, after refitting at L'Orient, subsequently 
to her hard-fought battle with the Reindeer, put to sea, 
and, on September 1st, engaged and captured the British 
sloop of war Avon, which sank soon after striking. The 
Wasp made three other prizes, and was last seen October 
9th, near the Cape Verde Islands. From that time she 
was never heard of j the good vessel, with her brave 
captain and gallant crew, perished at sea ; far from human 
succor, they sank into the depths of unknown waters. The 



Madison's administration. '169 

Americans now had no navy on the ocean, and it 
is mortifying to state that at sea the American flag 
floated from no national vessel. 

36. General Izard, in command of the army at Plattsburg, 
was ordered to Sackett's Harbor, with four thousand men, 
the flower of his army, to co-operate with General Brown, 
should occasion present. General Prevost now advanced 
against Plattsburg, with twelve thousand men. General 
Macomb, with his forces, was strongly intrenched behind 
the Saranac, a rapid and unfordable stream. The enemy 
spent four days in throwing up batteries and preparing for 
an attack, which they resolved should commence with the 
appearance of their fleet. In the mean time. Commodore 
M'Donough's squadron anchored in Plattsburg Bay. It 
consisted of fourteen vessels, carrying eighty-six guns and 
eight hundred and fifty men. The British fleet, commanded 
by Captain Dow nie, consisted of seventeen vessels, carrying 
ninety-five gtins, and manned by one thousand seamen. 

37. The battle commenced on the 11th of September, 
between the two fleets. Captain Downie attempted to carry 
his fleet into the harbor, but his largest vessel sufi"ered so 
severely, he was obliged to abandon it at the distance of a 
quarter of a mile from the American ships. The battle 
continued for more than two hours, when the flag-ship of 
the enemy haying surrendered, the other vessels soon fol- 
lowed her example. On shore the enemy attacked Macomb's 
position, but were unsuccessful in every attempt. The same 
evening the British retreated in haste, leaving their sick and 
wounded behind, and a part of their military stores. 

38. The same day which witnessed M'Donough's victory, 
the British fleet in the Chesapeake appeared off" the Patapsco. 
The following morning, General Ross, with five thousand 
men, landed at North Pointy fourteen miles from Baltimore, 

15 



170 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

and immediately marched towards that city. The 
defence of the city had been intrusted to ten 
thousand militia, including the city regiments, and some 
volunteers from Pennsylvania. One division was under the 
command of Greneral Strieker, the other was confided to 
General Winder, and the whole under the command of 
General Samuel Smith, As General Ross, at the head 
of a reconnoitering party, approached the outposts of the 
Americans, a skirmish ensued, in which Ross was killed, 
but, the main body coming up, the militia were driven from 
the ground. The command of the British now devolved 
on Colonel Brooke, who led the army near the American 
lines. The British rested on the field that night, and 
the fleet opened a heavy bombardment on Fort M' Henry. 
Major Armistead returned the fire, and the bombardment 
was continued through the uio'ht, after which the British 
troops retired to their ships, re-embarked, and abandoned 
the attack on Baltimore. 

39. In the mean time the siege of Fort Erie continued. 
General Brown, who had recovered from his wounds, took 
command of the fort, and, on the 17th of September, made a 
sally on the British works, which he surprised, exploded the 
magazines, rendered their guns useless, and captured four 
hundred prisoners. The British soon after raised the siege, 
and retired to Chippewa. In this sally of the Americans, 
General Ripley was severely wounded while spiking the 
enemy's guns. General Drummond remained a short time 
at Chippewa, and then retired to Fort George. Soon after, 
General Izard, who superseded General Brown in command 
of the army, arrived. Fort Erie was demolished, and the 
army went into winter quarters at Bufi"alo, Black Rock, and 
Batavia (November 5th). 

40. General Jackson, who had command of the southern 



Madison's administration. 171 

department of tlie army, found tliat two Britisli 
sloops of war had landed troops at Pensacola, and 
were arming the fugitive Creeks. He immediately marched 
against that city, which he entered without opposition, and 
compelled the British to take to their shipping, and leave 
the harbor. As a report prevailed that a large British 
fleet was proceeding against New Orleans, General Jackson 
hastened by way of Mobile to that city. On the 21st of 
December, the British fleet entered Lake Borgne, and soon 
landed on the banks of the Mississippi. Here an engage- 
ment took place on the 2od, which was renewed on the 
27th and 28th, and the enemy's advance checked. 

41. Great alarm was caused to the government by the 
celebrated Hartford Convention. The people of New Eng- 
land had been dissatisfied with the war, and, agreeably to a 
recommendation of the Massachusetts Legislature, delegates 
were appointed to deliberate on the public measures of the 
Federal Government. The assembly met at Hartford on 
the 15th of December, and consisted of twenty-six delegates. 
Twelve members were appointed by the legislature of Mas- 
sachusetts, seven by Connecticut, four by Rhode Island, 
two by county meetings in New Hampshire, and one by a 
similar meeting in Vermont. After deliberating with closed 
doors for twenty days, they proposed several amendments 
to the Federal Constitution, j^nd messengers were sent to 
Washington to request that a portion of the public taxes 
should be appropriated to the defence of the New England 
States. Elbridge Gerry, the Vice-President, whose health 
had for some time past been faiUng, died in the month 
of November. 

42. The commencement of the new year found 

^^^^* the British army before New Orleans, making 
extensive preparations for the capture of that city. General 



172 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

Jackson had been actively engaged in his prepara- 
tions for defence. Not relying on the citizens of 
New Orleans, many of whom were aliens, he proclaimed 
martial law, threw up a line of intrenchments, strongly 
defended by artillery, and with a deep ditch in front. To 
guard against an attack on the opposite side of the river, 
General Morgan had been sent to throw up similar defences. 
On the morning of the 8th of January, the main body of 
the British army, led by General Packenham, advanced to 
storm Jackson's position. The British soldiers advanced 
with a determined air, attended by detachments bearing 
fascines and ladders. The American artillery opened on 
them with a destructive fire ; but they still moved on with 
a firm step, fresh troops taking the place of the fallen. At 
last, when they came within range of the rifles and muskets, 
they were thrown into confusion. General Packenham was 
killed, General Gibbs mortally wounded, and General Keene 
so severely, that he died soon after the battle. 

43. The command now devolved on General Lambert, 
who withdrew his forces, and abandoned the contest. The 
enemy on the opposite side of the river, led by Colonel 
Thornton, had been successful, but the British army had 
lost two thousand men, and Lambert, dreading further 
disasters, fell back to the landing-place on Lake Borgne, 
from which place the army re-embarked and left the coast. 

44. The Constitution, commanded by Commodore Charles 
Stewart, had succeeded in getting out of Boston Harbor, 
where she had been so long blockaded. Commodore De- 
catur, now in command of the President, left New York, 
expecting to be joined by the Hornet and Peacock, The 
next morning (January 15th) he was chased by a squadron 
of British vessels. The Endymion frigate, which was in 
advance of the other vessels, was soon disabled by the 



Madison's administration. 173 

President, but, the other vessels coming up, De- 
catur, not wishing to sacrifice his men in an un- 
equal contest, surrehdered. 

45. Hardly had the rejoicings for the preservation of 
New Orleans begun, before the public attention was called 
to an event more joyful than that occasioned by the clash 
of arms or the shouts for victories. The sloop of war 
Favorite, under a flag of truce, arrived at New York on the 
11th of February, bringing intelligence that a treaty of 
peace had been signed, December 24th, at Ghent, by the 
British and American commissioners, and ratified by the 
British government. This treaty was immediately forwarded 
to Washington, laid before the Senate, and unanimously 
ratified by that body on the 17th of February. 

46. Three naval engagements took place after the con- 
clusion of peace. The Constitution, after a severe battle 
with the British sloops of war Cyane and Levant, compelled 
each one to surrender. The Hornet, Captain Biddle, en- 
countered and captured the brig of war Penguin, after a 
sharp engagement, March 23d, and the Peacock, Captain 
Warrington, on the 20th of June, captured the Nautilus, 
in the Straits of Sunda. Captain Warrington being now 
informed of the existence of peace, the prize was imme- 
diately given up. Thus ended hostilities between Great 
Britain and the United States. 

47. During the war with Great Britain, the Dey of Algiers 
had dismissed Mr. Lear, the American consul, and declared 
war against the United States. Commodore Decatur, with 
a fleet of ten vessels, was sent to Algiers. On his way he 
captured two Algerine ships of war, one of them the largest 
vessel in the Algerine navy. On the oOth of June he 
appeared with his squadron off the harbor of Algiers, when 
the terrified Dey at once agreed to sign a treaty, by which 

15* 



174 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

he surrendered all prisoners, made indemnity for 
captures, and relinquished all claim to future 
tribute. Treaties were made during the year at Detroitj 
with the north-western tribes of Indians. 

48. Congress was occupied during the session 
with a tariff bill, and the adoption of measures to 
increase the public revenue. A bill was passed incorpo- 
rating the '•'■Banh of the United States,'' with a capital of 
thirty-five millions of dollars. This bank was located in 
Philadelphia. Indiana was admitted into the Union as a 
state, December 11th. The first settlement in the state 
was made by the French, at Vincennes, at an early period, 
though the exact time is not known, but supposed to be 
about the year 1690. In 1763 the territory was ceded by 
treaty to England. A territorial government was organized 
over it in 1801, under which it remained until admitted as 
an independent state of the growing confederacy. At the 
presidential election, James Monroe was chosen to succeed 
Mr. Madison, and Daniel D. Tompkins, of New York, was 
elected Vice-President, entering on the duties of their 
respective offices, March 4th, 1817. 

Questions on James Madison^ s Administration. — 1. What was pro- 
mised by the British minister at Washington ? Was the promise 
fulfilled ? What is said of Mr. Jackson ? 

2. What is said of commercial intercourse with France ? What 
did England still do ? 

3. Give an account of the President and Little Belt. Who were 
the commanders ? 

4. Who was sent against the Indians? What did the chiefs pro- 
pose ? Give an account of their attack. 

5. When was Louisiana admitted into the Union ? When and 
by whom was the first settlement made ? What occurred in 1762? 
In 1800 ? By whom was it sold to the United States ? 



Madison's administration. 175 

6. What act did Congress now pass ? What was done on the 
18th of June? Who was commander-in-chief? 

7. Describe General HulFs invasion of Canada, What fort was 
captured by the British ? Give the dates of both events. 

8. Why did Hull fall back on Detroit ? By whom was he attack- 
ed ? What did Hull surrender ? 

9. Where had a second army assembled ? A third army ? What 
did General Van Rensselaer do ? Who was wounded, and who 
killed in this engagement ? What did the militia on the American 
side of the Niagara refuse to do ? AVhat was the consequence ? 
Who succeeded General Van Rensselaer? What was accom- 
plished ? 

10. What was done by the Essex, Captain Porter ? The Con- 
stitution? Give an account of the battle. Who were the com- 
manders ? 

11. What was the next naval engagement? Describe the battle. 
What took place after the battle ? 

12. When and where did the next naval battle occur ? Describe 
it. To what poi-t where the vessels taken ? 

13. What other naval triumph occurred in 1812 ? Where was 
this battle fought? What was the result? What did Captain 
Bainbridge do with the captured vessel ? 

14. What executive officer died this year ? Who were elected 
President and Vice-President ? What was General Harrison doing ? 

15. What orders were sent to General Winchester? Where was 
a detachment sent ? By whom was the camp of General Winchester 
assaulted ? What was the result ? What was done by the Indians ? 
What did Harrison do ? 

16. When and where did a naval engagement take place ? Give 
a description of the battle. 

17. By whom was Fort Meigs besieged ? Describe the assault 
on General Clay's detachment. 

18. What was the amount of vessels in Chauncey's fleet ? Who 
commanded the detachment against York ? Describe the battle. 
What is said of General Pike ? Whose army was sent to Canada ? 
What place was attacked by the enemy in Chauncey's absence ? 
Describe the engagement. To what rank was General Brown pro- 
moted ? 



176 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

19. To what command was Lawrence promoted? What battle 
ensued ? Who was mortally wounded ? Where was the captured 
ship taken ? 

20. What towns on Chesapeake Bay were attacked, captured, 
and burned ? 

21. Give an account of Proctor's doings. The attack on Fort 
Stephenson. What did the Argus capture ? When and by what 
vessel was the Argus captured ? Who was mortally wounded ? 
What other naval engagement took place ? Give the result. 

22. Where did an Indian war break out? Who commenced 
hostilities ? What fort did they capture ? Who marched against 
them ? 

23. Where was a fleet equipped ? Who was the commander, 
and what did his fleet consist of? Who commanded the British 
fleet ? Of what did it consist ? When did the two fleets meet ? 
Describe the engagement to the time Perry went on board the 
Niagara. 

24. What was done by the Niagara ? How long did the battle 
last ? What did Commodore Perry do after the battle ? 

25. When and where did Harrison overtake Proctor's main 
army ? By whom were his regulars supported ? By whom were 
they attacked ? What is said of Proctor ? Tecumseh ? Who was 
severely wounded? What is said of General Cass? General 
Harrison ? 

26. Where did General Jackson go in January, 1814 ? By whom 
was he attacked ? To what fort did he fall back ? After he received 
reinforcements what did he do ? Where were the enemy posted ? 
How long did the battle continue, and with what result ? 

27. Who commanded the Essex ? What is said of her cruise ? 
Where and by what two vessels was she attacked ? What was 
Porter obliged to do ? When and by whom was the Frolic cap- 
tured ? What prize was taken by the Peacock ? Who commanded 
the Peacock, and where did he carry his prize ? 

28. By whom was Canada invaded? By whom was he assisted ? 
When and where did they cross the Niagara River ? What fort 
was captured ? What did General Scott do July 4th ? 

29. What did the British do on the 5th of July ? By whom 



Madison's administration. 177 

were the British driven back ? What is said of Scott's brigade ? 
Of Major Jessup ? Of General Scott ? 

30. What did General Riall do after the battle of Chippewa ? 
Who was sent against the enemy on the 25th of July ? Where did 
he encounter the whole army ? 

31. What did Scott do ? When did the battle commence, and 
how long did it continue ? What did General Brown direct Gene- 
ral Ripley to do? Who captured the enemy's battery? How was 
the battle closed ? Who were taken prisoners ? 

32. What happened to General Scott ? General Brown ? To 
what post did General Brown fall back ? By whom was he be- 
sieged ? What disaster befell the enemy ? 

33. Who commanded a British fleet in Chesapeake Bay ? Who 
commanded the land forces ? When and where did they disem- 
bark ? What did Commodore Barney do ? 

34. What did General Winder do ? Describe the battle. What 
city was taken the same day ? What was ordered by the Secretary 
of the Navy ? What did the British burn ? When did they leave 
the city ? What was done at Alexandria ? 

35. What vessel was captured by the Wasp ? Where was the 
Wasp last seen ? After her loss what is said of the American 
flag? 

36. To what place was General Izard sent ? Who advanced 
against Plattsburg ? Where was General Macomb ? What squad- 
ron anchored in the bay? What did it consist of? Who com- 
manded the British fleet, and what was its force ? 

37. When did the battle commence between the fleets ? De- 
scribe the battle. What was done on shore ? 

38. When and where did General Ross land with an army ? To 
whom had the defence of the city been intrusted ? What generals 
commanded the divisions, and who had the chief command ? Who 
was killed in a skirmish? On whom did the command of the 
British army devolve ? What fort was bombarded ? What did 
the British do that night ? 

39. What did General Brown do at Fort Erie? What did the 
British do soon after ? Who was wounded in the sally at Fort 
Erie ? What is said of General Drummond ? General Izard ? 
Fort Erie ? 



178 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

40. Why did General Jackson enter Pensacola with an army ? 
Where did a British army land on the 21st of December? When 
and where did engagements take place ? , 

41. When did the Hartford Convention meet, and of what was 
it composed ? What did they propose ? What did they send 
messengers to request of government ? Who died in November ? 

42. When did the battle of New Orleans occur, and who were 
the commanders ? Describe the battle ? Who were killed ? 

43. On whom did the command of the British army now devolve? 
Who commanded on the opposite side of the river? What did 
Lambert do ? 

44. What is said of the frigate Constitution ? Of Commodore 
Decatur? Of the capture of the President? 

45. To what was the public attention called ? When did the 
intelligence of peace arrive ? When and where was the treaty 
signed ? When was it ratified by the Senate ? 

46. What three naval engagements took place after the conclu- 
sion of peace ? Name the American commanders ? 

47. What was done by the Dey of Algiers ? Who commanded 
the fleet sent against him? What took place on the SOth of June? 

48. What bill was passed by Congress? Where was the Bank 
located? When was Indiana admitted into the Union? Where 
was the first settlement made ? What was done in 1763? In 1801 ? 
Who was elected President? Vice-President? 



181T. 



Monroe's administration. 179 



JAMES MONROE'S ADMINISTRATION. 

1. Soon after Mr. Monroe's inauguration he set 
out on a tour through the Middle and Eastern 
States. Party spirit had abated much of its virulence, and 
the President was everywhere received with the honor and 
respect due the head of a great and enlightened nation. 
At the next session of Congress Mississippi was acknow- 
ledged as an independent state, and admitted into the 
Union (December 10th). The first settlement was made in 
1699, at the head of the Bay of Biloxi, by the French, who 
built a fort, and continued to occupy it as a settlement till 
1702, when they removed to Mobile. In 1702 a bluff on 
the Mississippi River was selected as the site for a town, 
and named Rosalie, in honor of the Countess of Pontchar- 
train. This was settled by the French in 1716, and is now 
the flourishing city of Natchez, 

2. In the latter part of this year a new Indian war broke 
out on the southern frontier. Great complaint had been 
made by the people of Georgia of depredations by the Semi- 
noles and refugee Creeks residing south of Flint River, 
and in Florida, then a Spanish province. General Gaines, 
^commanding at Fort Scott, by orders from the War Depart- 
ment to expel them from the district north of Florida, 
marched against them, and two skirmishes ensued. A 
boat coming up the Apalachicola was soon after attacked 
by the Indians, and forty out of fifty persons were killed. 

3. General Jackson now received orders to march 

1818. 

against the Indians, which he did, with a large 
force, and destroyed the Seminole villages in the neighbor- 



180 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

hood of the present town of Tallahassee. The Ame- 

1818. . ^ 

rican general then marched against the Spanish 

fort at St. Marks, and demanded its surrender. Two 
British subjects, Arbuthnot and Ambrister, tried before a 
court-martial on a charge of inciting the Indians to make 
war with the United States, and furnishing means to carry 
it on, were found guilty and put to death. General Jack- 
gon now marched against Pensacola, which capitulated with- 
out resistance. These captures were justified on a plea that 
the Spaniards were aiding and encouraging the Seminoles 
in their outrages. ^ 

4. In December Illinois was admitted into the Union. 
The first settlement in this state was made by the French, 
at Kaskaskia, and was at first the seat of a Jesuit mission. 
*" It is the oldest European settlement in the valley of the 
Mississippi," and the date of its settlement is probably 
about the year 1686. It was a part of Indiana until 1809, 
when a distinct territorial government was organized for 

it. The commissioners under the treaty of Ghent 

1819. "^ ^ . 
now jigreed on the forty-ninth parallel of latitude 

from the Lake of the Woods to the Kocky Mountains, as 
the boundary between British America and the United 
States, and the right of American citizens to fish in certain 
portions of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Alabama was now 
admitted into the Union. The first settlement in this state 
was made by the French, at Mobile, in 1702. In 1800 it 
formed part of the Mississippi Territory, and in 1817, on 
the separation of Mississippi, it became the territory of Ala- 
bama, until its admission as a state. 

5. In March, Maine, which had been a district 
belonging to Massachusetts, became an independent 

* Bancroft, Vol. III., p. 195. 



Monroe's administration. 181 

state, and was admitted into the Union. The first 
settlement in Maine was made by the French, in 
1613, on Mount Desert Island, and broken up by Argall. 
The Plymouth company made an unsuccessful attempt to 
plant a colony, but no permanent settlement was efiPected 
until 1625, when the huts of fishermen were scattered along 
the seacoast. Among the earliest towns were •Saco, York, 
and Cape Porpoise. In 1652 the people of Maine placed 
themselves under the jurisdiction of Massachusetts, and re- 
mained so until the adoption of a State Constitution, and 
admission into the Union as a sovereign state. 

6. On the proposal to admit Missouri into the 
^^^^* Union, a violent debate arose as to whether it 
should be admitted as a slave state. It was finally admitted 
as a slave state, with the proviso that in all other territory 
west of the Mississippi and north of thirty degrees thirty 
minutes north latitude, slavery should be prohibited. This 
is what is called the " Missouri Compromise." The first 
permanent settlement was made by the French, at St. 
Genevieve, in 1663. 

7. On the 5th of March Mr. Monroe entered on the 
second term of office. Mr. Tompkins had also been re- 
elected Vice-President. A treaty between Spain and the 
United States, ratified this year, ceded East and West 
Florida, with all the adjacent islands, to the United States, 
in extinction of the various American claims, to satisfy 
which the American government agreed to pay the claim- 
ants five millions of dollars. General Jackson, as commis- 
sioner of the United States, took formal possession of the 
territory in July, and a territorial government was estab- 
lished in 1822. 

8. During this year an expedition was sent 
*^^^' against the numerous piratical vessels which in- 
16 



182 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

fested tlie Gulf of Mexico and tlie Caribbean Sea. 

Captain Allen, a brave officer, being killed while in 
the discharge of his duty, it was determined by Congress that 
a squadron, under Commodore Porter, should be sent to the 
haunts of the pirates. The object of the expedition was 
completely successful ; the haunts of the pirates were broken 
up, and theij vessels captured and destroyed. 

9. The visit of that brave Revolutionary officer, 
General La Fayette, to the United States, occa- 
sioned general rejoicing. He remained upwards of a year 
in the country, during which time he travelled more than 
five thousand miles, and visited every state in the Union. 
He was everywhere received with the greatest respect and 
affection; and triumphal arches, illuminations, processions, 
and other tokens of the people's joy, proclaimed his wel- 
come to the land he had assisted to liberate, to which he 
now came, " The Nation's Guest." 

10. At the presidential election four persons 
were supported as candidates, but no one had a 

majority of the whole number of electors. General Jack- 
son received ninety-nine votes, Mr. Adams eighty-four, Mr. 
Crawford forty-one, and Mr. Clay thirty-seven. In the 
House of Representatives, who, by the Constitution, select 
one from the three highest on the list, Mr. Adams received 
the votes of thirteen states, General Jackson seven states, 
and Mr. Crawford four states. Mr. Adams was, therefore, 
elected President. John C. Calhoun, of South Carolina, 
was elected Vice-President. 

Questions on James 3Ionroe's Admiilistration. — 1. What did the 
President do soon after his inauguration ? When was Mississippi 
admitted into the Union ? When and where was the first settle- 
ment made ? Where did the settlers remove in 1702 ? What town 
was settled in 1716 ? 



Monroe's administration. 183 

2. What war broke out in 1817? What orders were given to 
General Gaines ? 

3. What did General Jackson do ? Why did he invade Florida? 
Who was put to death, and why ? 

4. When was Illinois admitted into the Union ? Where was the 
first settlement made, and when ? Of what state was Illinois a 
part ? What boundary was agreed upon ? When was Alabama 
admitted into the Union ? When and where was the first settle- 
ment made ? What did it form in 1800 ? In 1817 ? 

5. When was Maine admitted into the Union ? When and where 
was the first settlement made ? What were the first settled towns? 
What was done in 1652 ? 

6. What were the provisions of the Missouri Compromise ? 
When was Missouri admitted? When and where was the first 
permanent settlement ? 

7. What occurred on the 5th of March ? What was ceded by the 
treaty between Spain and the United States ? What sum was ap- 
propriated to pay claims against Spain ? Who took formal pos- 
session of the territory ? 

8. What expedition was sent out ? Who was killed ? What is 
said of Commodore Porter's expedition? 

9. Give an account of General La Fayette's reception, 

10. State the result of the presidential election by the electors. 
In the House of Representatives. Who was elected Vice-Presi- 
dent? 



184 



HISTORY or THE UNITED STATES. 



JOHN QUINCY ADAMS' ADMINISTRATION. 



1835. 



1. General La Fayette, on returning from his tour 
througli tlie diiFerent sections of the Union, became 
a guest at the presidential mansion. He left Washington 
in September, and returned to France in the frigate Bran- 
dywine. At the previous session of Congress, in " con- 
sideration of his very important services, his sacrifices and 
losses," it was voted that two hundred thousand dollars in 
money, and a township of land, should be granted him. 
This measure was passed by a large majority of both houses, 
and approved by the President (Mr. Monroe). 




LA FAYETTE, THE NATION b GULbT 



1836. 



2. The fiftieth anniversary of American inde- 
pendence found the country at peace with all the 
world, and the nation in the full career of prosperity. The 
territory of the United States had been enlarged. From 



J. Q. ADAMS ADMINISTRATION. 



185 



thirteen feeble states, tliey liad increased in number 

^^^^' to twenty-four powerful ones J from tliree millions 

to ten millions of people ; the Mississippi had long since 

ceased to be the western boundary, and the country now 

extended to the Pacific Ocean. 

3. The day was celebrated as the national anniversary, 
but it was marked by a wonderful coincidence. '''On that 
day two of the three surviving signers of the Declaration 
died. One penned the instrument, and the other sustained 
it in debate. Both had taken active parts in public affairs, 
and both had filled the highest office in the gift of the 
people. Mr. Adams died at Quincy, Massachusetts, in the 
ninety-first year of his age, and Mr. Jefferson, at Monti- 
cello, Virginia, in his eighty-fourth year. 

4. The administration of Mr. Adams was not 
^^^'^* disturbed by foreign wars or domestic insurrec- 
tions. The arts of peace flourished, and internal improve- 
ments received a large share of public- attention. This 
year is celebrated for the completion of the first railroad in 
the United States, a mode of travelling which connects 
distant states by diminishing the time formerly spent in 
travel. Party spirit was active and bitter. During Mr. 
Monroe's term of office it had subsided, but it now revived 
with the utmost vindictiveness. At the ensuing 
^^^^* election the result was largely in fiivor of General 
Jackson, who was elected President, and John C. Calhoun 
was re-elected Vice-President. 



Questions on John Quincy Adams' Administration.— I. Who be- 
came the guest of the President ? When and in what vessel did 

* Charles Carroll, of Carrollton, INIaryland, the last surviving 
signer, died in 1832, aged ninety-five years. 
16* 



186 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

he leave Washinglon ? Recite tlie section of an act passed by 
Congress at the previous session. 

2. What is said of the condition of the country at the fiftieth 
anniversary of Independence ? 

3. What deaths occurred on the 4th of July? What is said of 
Jefferson ? Adams ? What is said in the note, of Charles Carroll ? 

4. What is said of party spirit ? Who was elected President ? 
Vice-President ? 



ANDREW JACKSON'S ADMINISTRATION. 

1. General Jackson entered on liis first term of 
service under favorable circumstances. Universal 

peace and national prosperity combined to make his admin- 
istration an era of ease and happiness. But this state of 
peace was of short continuance. Party spirit increased in 
violence, in consequence of his numerous removals from 
office ; the renewal of Indian wars, and resistance to con- 
gressional enactments by a portion of the confederacy, 
made the President's position one of care, of turmoil, and 
excitement. 

2. James Monroe, the fifth President of the 

1831* 

United States, died on the 4th of July, 1831, 
being the third ex-president who had yielded up his life 
on the national anniversary. Mr. Monroe had, like his 
predecessors, filled many important stations. He joined 
the Ke volution ary army at an early period of the war, and 
was wounded at the battle of Princeton. He was succes- 
sively member of Congress, senator, governor of Virginia, 
minister to France and Great Britain, Secretary of State, 
and President. 



Jackson's administration. 187 

3. A war broke out this year with the Indian 
tribes of Sacs, Foxes, and Winnebagoes, led by 
the celebrated chief Black Hawk. These tribes had ceded 
their lands on the east of the Mississippi, and agreed to 
remove to the west of that river. But having violated the 
treaty, a body of troops was sent against them. After a 
succession of skirmishes, they were finally defeated and 
dispersed on the banks of the Mississippi by General 
Atkinson, and Black Hawk was taken prisoner. As the 
government apprehended a general Indian war, General 
Scott was ordered to proceed to the scene of action, and 
take command of the forces. 

4. In the beginning of July he embarked at Buffalo, 
with nearly one thousand troops, few of whom, however, 
ever reached the battle-field. A mightier destroyer than 
war arrested their course, and filled their ranks with disease 
and death. This was that terrible pestilence, the Asiatic 
Cholera. Of nine hundred and fifty men who left Buffalo, 
but four hundred survived. Scott paid every attention to 
the sick and suffering, and, as soon as he could be released, 
hastened to join General Atkinson at Prairie du Cliien. 
He came in soon after the battle, and remained until 
treaties were made with the Indian tribes. The one with 
the Sacs and Foxes ceded to the United States a large tract, 
constituting the greater part of the present state of Iowa. 
The Winnebagoes ceded nearly five millions of acres, com- 
prehending a valuable part of Wisconsin. 

5. In Congress a bill was brought forward to recharter 
the United States Bank, which passed both houses, but was 
vetoed by the President. A tariff bill, imposing additional 
duties on foreign commodities, caused great excitement in 
South Carolina. A state convention declared the tariff acts 
unconstitutional, and therefore null and void, and that the 



188 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

duties should not be paid. This measure is known 
by the name of Nulhfication, and was met by a 
proclamation from the President, in which he warned the 
nullifiers of the consequences of opposition to the general 
government, and declared his intention to execute the laws. 
The diilculty was removed by the adoption of a " Compromise 
Bill," which provided for a gradual reduction of the duties 
which had operated so injuriously to the Southern States. 
General Jackson was elected President for a second term, 
and Martin Van Buren Vice-President. 

6. Great excitement was now created by the 

1833. , '' 

removal of the government deposites from the Bank 
of the United States, and their transfer to certain state 
banks. The President, in his annual message, stated that 
the claims due and acknowledii:ed by the French government 
remained unpaid, though measures had been taken to press 
the claim on the part of the American government. 

7. No attention havins; been given by the French 

1835. , ° ^ -^ . 

government to the claims due to the United States, 
the President recommended vigorous measures to compel 
payment. All diplomatic intercourse was suspended, and it 
was feared that a war would ensue between the two countries. 
But an amicable arrangement was effected soon afterwards, 
and the amount due, five millions of dollars, has since been 
paid. 

8. This year is celebrated for the most formidable and 
obstinately contested Indian war in which the United States 
ever engaged. It was the Seminole war in Florida. It 
commenced by the murder of planters, the ravage of their 
plantations, and the burning of their houses. Osceola, one 
of the principal chiefs of the Seminoles, was the chief 
instigator of the war. He was a bold, daring, and fero- 
cious warrior, and a vindictive enemy of the Americans. 



Jackson's administration. 189 

On the 28th of December, Major Dade, who was 
marching to relieve the post of Fort King, was 
suddenly attacked, and himself and whole company, con- 
sisting of one hundred and twelve men, massacred. Three 
only of the company escaped, severely wounded. Mean- 
while, a detachment of Florida volunteers having joined 
the regulars, General Clinch crossed the Withlacoochee 
River, and was fiercely assailed by Osceola and his numer- 
ous warriors. Their attack was gallantly repelled by the 
Americans, The battle took place December 31st. 

9. General Scott was now sent to Florida to 

1836. 

take command of the troops. On the 29th of 
February, General Gaines encountered the Seminoles, when 
an indecisive battle took place. General Scott marched 
through Florida, without meeting any large body of the 
enemy. They were concealed in thickets and swamps 
inaccessible to regular troops. The Treasury Department 
issued what is called a " Specie Circular," requiring gold 
and silver coin in payment for public lands. The national 
debt having been paid off and extinguished, upwards of 
thirty-seven millions had accumulated in the Treasury. 
Congress passed a " Distribution xict," dividing the surplus 
revenue among the different states, in proportion to the 
respective population of each. 

10. During this year, Arkansas was admitted into the 
Union. The first settlement in this state was made at 
Arkansas Post, on the Arkansas River. This state formed 
a part of Louisiana at the time of its cession to the United 
States. In 1812 it constituted part of the Territory of 
Missouri, and remained so till 1819, when a distinct territo- 
rial government was framed, and it was then called Arkansas. 
James Madison, the fourth President of the United States, 
died this year, at the advanced age of eighty-five. 



190 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

11. Michigan was admitted as a state during the 
month of January. This state was first settled by 
Jesuit missionaries, at the Sault St. Marie, in 1668, Other 
settlements were made, but the first permanent settlement 
was that made at Detroit, by De la Motte Cadillac, a Jesuit 
missionary, and a French colony in June, 1701. Michigan 
formed part of the North- West Territory. In 1805 it was 
erected into a territorial government. Martin Van Buren, 
of New York, was elected President, and Richard M. 
Johnson, of Kentucky, Vice-President, 

Questions on Andrew Jackson^ s Administration. — 1. What circum- 
stances combined to make the President's position one of excite- 
ment ? 

2. What is said of James Monroe ? Where and when was he 
wounded in battle ? What ofl&ces had he filled ? 

3. What war broke out in 1832? Where were the Indians 
defeated, and who was taken prisoner? Who was now sent to 
take command of the troops ? 

4. What did General Scott do in the beginning of July ? What 
prevented the troops from reaching the seat of war ? How many- 
died of the cholera ? What did General Scott do ? What land 
was ceded to the United States by the Sac and Fox tribes of 
Indians ? The Winnebagoes ? 

5. Wliat is said of the recharter of the United States Bank ? 
What declaration was made by a convention in South Carolina ? 
What did the President declare in his proclamation ? How was 
the dif&culty removed ? Who were elected President and Vice- 
President ? 

6. W^hat caused great excitement ? To what did the President 
call the attention of Congress ? 

7. W' liy did the President recommend vigorous measures towards 
France ? How was the difficulty settled ? 

8. How did the Seminole War commence ? What was the 
character of Osceola ? What occurred on the 28th of December ? 
Describe the battle of December 31st. 

9 Who was sent in 1836 to take command in Florida? W^hat 



VAN buren's administration. 191 

is said of General Gaines? What was required by the "Specie 
Circular ?" What is said of the National Debt ? The Distribu- 
tion Act? 

10. When was Arkansas admitted into the Union ? When was 
the first settlement made? What did this state form part of? 
In 1812? In 1819? When and at what age did James Madison 
die? 

11. When was Michigan admitted as a state ? When, by whom, 
and where, was it first settled ? When and by whom was Detroit 
settled? What did Michigan form a part of? Who was elected 
President ? Vice-President ? 



MARTIN VAN BUREN'S ADMINISTRATION. 

1. Soon after the accession of Mr. Van Buren, 

1837. ... 

a commercial crisis took place. All the banks 
suspended specie payments in May, and the government 
itself was seriously embarrassed, and could not discharge its 
own pecuniary obligations. An extra session of Congress 
was convened early in September, and passed several bills 
for the relief of government, the most important of which, 
was one for the issue of treasury notes, not to exceed ten 
millions of dollars. 

2. The Seminole War in Florida was still carried on. 
During the month of March, a number of chiefs came to 
General Jessup's camp, and signed a treaty, by which it 
was stipulated that the Indians should remove beyond the 
Mississippi. This treaty was soon violated, and the Indians 
renewed their devastations. In October, Osceola, who came 
to the American camp under a flag of truce, was seized by 
order of General Jessup, and placed in confinement, lie 
was afterwards removed to Fort Moultrie, where he died. 



192 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

3. On the 25tli of December, a severe battle 
was fought at Lake Okeechobee, in which the 
Indians were defeated. Colonel Zachary Taylor commanded 
the Americans in this engagement. An insurrection broke 
out in Canada this year, which threatened to involve the 
United States in war with Great Britain. Many American 
citizens on the frontier sympathized with the Canadians in 
their opposition to government, and furnished them with 
arms and other munitions of war. A steamboat called the 
Caroline, plying between Schlosser, on the American side, 
and Navy Island, belonging to the British, where the in- 
surgents had collected, was seized by the British while 
lying at Schlosser, set on fire, and sent over the cataract 
(December 29th). 

4. This event occasioned great excitement throughout 
the country, and the government sent General 
Scott to enforce neutrality, and to call out the 
militia, if necessary, for the defence of the frontier. The 
President issued his proclamation, requiring all Americans 
to desist from their efforts in behalf of the Canadians, and 
declaring that they forfeited the protection of the laws by 
the invasion of Canada. Finally the British colonial go- 
vernment captured or dispersed the insurgents, and this 
put an end to the excitement on the frontier. 

5. Durino; the session of Confess, the Sub- 

184:0. 

Treasury Bill became a law, and an appropriation 
was made towards the survey of the disputed boundary line 
between Maine and the British province of New Brunswick. 
At the presidential election, William Henry Harrison, of 
Ohio, was chosen President, and John Tyler, of Virginia, 
Vice-President. 

Questions on Martin Van Burcn's Administration. — 1. What im- 
portant act was passed at an extra meeting of Congress ? 



Tyler's administration. 193 

2. What did the Seminole chiefs do in March ? What is said 
of the treaty ? Of Osceola ? 

3. What is said of the battle of December 25th ? Who was com- 
mander of the American forces ? What circumstance threatened 
war between Great Britain and the United States ? What is said 
of the steamboat Caroline ? 

4. Why did the government send General Scott to the frontier ? 
What was required by the .President's proclamation ? 

5. What act was passed ? What appropriation was made ? 
Who were elected President and Vice-President ? 



HARRISON'S AND TYLER'S ADMINISTRATIONS. 

1. General Harrison took the oath of office on 

1 84rl. 

the 4th of March, in the presence of a large as- 
semblage. He soon after issued a proclamation for a session 
of Congress, to commence on the 31st of May. But he 
never lived to see it asvsemble, nor to carry out the measures 
of his government. One month after his inauguration he 
died, expressing with his last breath an ardent wish that 
his principles of government should be carried out by his 
successor. 

2. On the death of General Harrison Mr. Tyler became 
the acting President. On the 5th of April he took the 
oath of office, and entered on the discharge of his duties. 
The extra session of Congress commenced on the 31st of 
May, and several important measures were brought forward. 
The sub-treasury was repealed, a general bankrupt law 
passed, and bills for establishing a Bank of the United 
States were also passed by both houses, but vetoed by the 
President. 

3. The controversy which had for a long time 
existed between the United States and Great 
17 



194 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

Britain^ respecting tlie nortli-eastern boundary^ was 
put at rest during tliis year, by a treaty agreed 
upon by the American and English commissioners, Daniel 
Webster and Lord Ashburton. The Americans claimed, 
according to the treaty of 1783, the boundary as extending 
from " a line drawn due north from the source of St. Croix 
River to the high lands, and along the said high lands to 
the Connecticut River." The British claimed from a line 
intersecting the state from east to west, and cutting off from 
the Americans almost all the tract lying north of the 46th 
parallel of north latitude. By mutual concessions agreed 
upon, a new line was run, which is now satisfactory to both 
nations. 

4. In Rhode Island some difficulties occurred of so serious 
a character that it was feared they would lead to civil war. 
The old charter, granted by Charles II., in 1663, was in 
full force, the government of the state being administered 
under it. A number of citizens wished to abrogate the 
charter and adopt a state constitution. Under the name of 
the '' Suffrage Party," they adopted a new constitution, 
chose a governor, and elected a legislature. The majority, 
called the '^ Law and Order Party," opposed this movement, 
insisted that any change in the fundamental charter of the 
state must be made by the full concurrence of a majority 
of the people, and denounced the suffrage party as guilty 
of high treason. Government sent troops to preserve the 
peace, and the suffrage party abandoned the contest. A 
new constitution has since then been adopted. 

5. The President was suddenly deprived of two 

members of his cabinet by a dreadful catastrophe. 

This occurred on board the government vessel, Princeton, 

while on an excursion down the Potomac. The President 

and a number of distinguished persons were on board. 



Tyler's ad3iinistration. 195 

During the trial of a large cannon, which had 
received the name of the " Peacemaker," it burst, 
and instantly killed Mr. Upshur, Secretary of State, and 
Mr. Gilmore, Secretary of the Navy. John C. Calhqun, 
of South Carolina, was soon after appointed to supply the 
vacancy occasioned by the death of Mr. Upshur. 

6. In January a joint resolution for the annexa- 
tion of Texas to the United States was adopted ; 
and in March, Florida was admitted as a state. The earliest 
I^ermanent settlement in this state was made by the Span- 
iards, at St. Augustine, in 1565. Florida continued to be 
a Spanish province till 1763, when it was ceded to the 
British government. In 1783 it reverted to Spain, and 
remained in her possession until its cession to the United 
States. In 1822 it was erected into a territorial govern- 
ment, and so continued until its admission as one of the 
states of the Union. 

Questions on Harrison's and Tyler's Administrations. — 1. What 
proclamation was issued by President Harrison ? Did he live to 
see it assemble ? When did he die ? What did he express in his 
last moments ? 

2. Who now became acting President? When did he take the 
oath of office ? What was done at the session of Congress ? What 
bills were vetoed by the President ? 

3. By whom was a treaty to settle the north-eastern boundary 
agreed upon? What was claimed by the Americans? By the 
British ? How was it settled ? 

4. What constitution was still in force in Rhode Island ? What 
did the "Suffrage Party" do? The "Law and Order Party"? 
Why did government send troops ? What has since been adopted ? 

5. Describe the accident on board the Princeton, and state who 
were killed. Who was appointed Secretary of State ? 

6. What joint resolution was adopted by Congress? When was 
Florida admitted as a state? When and where was the earliest 
settlement made ? Give other particulars of its history. 



196 HISTORY OP THE UNITED STATES. 



JAMES K. POLK'S ADMINISTRATION. 
1. James K. Polk, of Tennessee, and Georoje M. 

1845. 

Dallas, of Pennsylvania, having received a large 
majority of the votes of electors for President and Vice- 
President, entered on the duties of their offices March 4th. 
The republic of Texas accepted the terms of the resolutions 
adopted by Congress, and, by annexation, became United 
States' territory. Aji the Mexican government threatened 
an invasion of the territory, General Taylor, with a body 
of forces, was sent into Texas, and Commodore Stockton, 
with a naval squadron, into the Gulf of Mexico, and diplo- 
matic relations were suspended between the two govern- 
ments. General Jackson, aged seventy-eight, died at his 
residence, the Hermitage, in June. 

2. In December, Texas, having formed a constitution, was 
admitted as a state into the Union. The country embraced 
within the limits of Texas was claimed by the Spaniards as 
part of Mexico, and by the French as constituting a portion 
of Louisiana. In 1685 La Salle, with a French colony 
destined for the mouth of the Mississippi, mistook their 
way, and, sailing far past their destination, landed at the 
Bay of Matagorda. Here they established the infant colony, 
and France never relinquished her claim to Texas while 
Louisiana remained in her possession. But La Salle was 
murdered, and the colony broken up by hostile Indians. In 
1690 the Spanish established a settlement at St. Antonio 
de Bexar, and maintained possession of the territory. 

3. After Mexico had thrown oif the Spanish yoke, the 
government invited and encouraged emigration. Large 
numbers of the citizens of the United States settled in the 



polk's administration. 197 

territory, and petitioned to be received into tlie 
Mexican Confederacy as a sovereign state. This 
petition was rejected, and such a series of wrongs were per- 
petrated against the colonists of Texas as compelled them 
to take up arms and fight for their lives and liberties. At 
the battle of San Jacinto the Mexicans were totally routed, 
and General Santa Anna, the Dictator of Mexico, taken 
]»risoner. He entered into an agreement of peace, and the 
acknowledgment of the independence of Texas. After his 
restoration to liberty he disavowed all treaties made while 
he was a prisoner, and declared he would suffer a thousand 
deaths, rather than place in jeopardy the integrity of his 
country's territory. 

4. The battle of San Jacinto, however, caused a cessation 
of active hostilities in Texas. In March, 1836, a Declara- 
tion of Independence was adopted, and signed by all her 
delegates in convention. The same year a Constitution was 
adopted, and her independence was acknowledged by the 
United States in 1837, by France in 1839, and by England 
in 1840. Texas continued as a se2:)arate independent re- 
public until its annexation to the United States, and its 
admission as one of the states of the Union. 

5. Congress, at this session, established the sub- 

1 04.A O ' / 

treasury, repealed the tariff law of 1842, and sub- 
stituted another with a much lower rate of duties. The 
governments of Great Britain and the United States had 
both claimed the territory of Oregon ; the American claim, 
made by the President, being to the latitude of fifty-four 
degrees forty minutes, the British to the Columbia Biver 
and its head waters. In June the boundary was agreed 
upon by the British and American commissioners, Richard 
Packenham and James Buchanan. The forty-ninth degree 
of north latitude to the Straits of Juan de Fuca, giving to 
17^ 



198 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

the British the undivided territory of Vancouver's 

184:6. . . "^ 

Island, constituted the provisions of the treaty. 

6. Iowa, during the year, was admitted into the Union as 
an independent state. This territory was first visited by 
the French Jesuits in 1673, but no settlements were made 
by them. The country was included in the purchase of 
Louisiana, but remained in Indian occupancy until 1832, 
when the Indian title was extinguished, and it was ceded 
to the United States. The first settlement was made at 
Burlington, in 1833, by emigrants from the Eastern States. 

7. Early in March, General Taylor moved his army from 
Corpus Christi to the Rio Grande, opposite the city of 
Matamoras, where he built a fort. He had previously 
fortified Point Isabel, and left it garrisoned. The Mexican 
troops now commenced active hostilities. On the 10th of 
April, Colonel Cross was murdered, and, on the 18th, 
Lieutenant Porter, with a small body of men, were taken 
prisoners, and butchered. On the 24:th, Captain Thornton, 
with a party of dragoons, consisting of sixty-three men, 
became engaged with a large body of Mexicans, in whicli 
sixteen were killed and wounded, and the others comj^elled 
to surrender. 

8. General Arista informed General Taylor that he con- 
sidered hostilities commenced, and that he should prosecute 
them vigorously. General Taylor received information that 
large forces of the Mexicans were crossing the Rio Grande, 
and started with his main force for the protection of Point 
Isabel, leaving Major Brown in command of the fort, then 
in an unfinished condition. Soon after his departure, the 
Mexicans at Matamoras commenced a cannonade on the 
fort, which the garrison returned. During this engagement 
Major Brown was killed, and the post so gallantly defended 
by him was named Fort Brown. 



folk's administration. 199 

9. On General Taylor's return from Point Isabel, 

1846. ■^ ' 

May 8tli, he was met at Palo Alto by the Mexicans, 
drawn up in order of battle. The enemy's force amounted 
to six thousand men, the army of General Taylor to two 
thousand three hundred. The battle lasted five hours, 
when the enemy fell back. The American loss in this 
battle was four men killed, and three officers and thirty-nine 
men wounded. Among the wounded were Major Ringgold 
and Captain Page, who died soon afterwards. 

10. After the battle of Palo Alto, General Arista took a 
strong position at Resaca de la Palma. , General Taylor 
resumed his march on the afternoon of the 9th, and in two 
hours came up to the enemy. The action commenced by 
the firing of the Mexican artillery, which was promptly 
returned by Ridgely's battery. As the Mexican battery 
proved to be very destructive, he directed Captain May to 
capture it. This he accomplished; his dragoons cut through 
the enemy, seized the cannon, and captured General La 
Yega. The infantry now charged the ]Mexican line, which 
broke, and the enemy fled with the utmost precipitation. 

11. A message from the President to Congress having 
declared '' that by the act of the Republic of Mexico, a war 
existed between that government and the United States," 
that body authorized the President to call into the field 
fifty thousand volunteers, and made an appropriation for 
the purpose of carrying on the war (May loth). Soon 
after the battle of Resaca de la Palma, General Taylor with 
his army crossed the Pvio Grande, and took possession of 
Matamoras. The Mexican towns of Reinosa, Meir, Revilla, 
and Camargo, surrendered without resistance. 

12. The general government and the officers of the army 
were now making preparations for carrying the war into 
the interior of Mexico. General Taylor being reinforced, 



200 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

early in September left Camargo, and marched 
against Monterey. On the 19th the army encamped 
near the city, and prepared for an immediate attack. Mon- 
terey was defended by forty pieces of cannon, and more 
than nine thousand troops ', it also possessed strong natural 
defences, and massive fortifications. 

13. It being deemed advisable to gain possession of the 
exterior defences and fortifications of the city, General 
Worth was sent to capture the forts on the Saltillo road 
and the Bishop's Palace. This was successfully accom- 
plished on the 22d, and the town was under the command 
of Worth's artillery. Other divisions of the army, led by 
Generals Butler and Twiggs, made an attack on the opposite 
side of the city, into which they eiFected an entrance, and 
advanced by burrowing or digging through from house to 
house. On the 24th, General Ampudia offered to capitu- 
late, and terms being agreed upon, the Mexican troops 
evacuated Monterey, and General Taylor took possession 
of it. The battle and capture of Monterey ended the* 
campaign of the Rio Grande, in which the American arms 
had been completely successful. 

14. Contemporary with these events is the capture of 
California by Colonel Fremont and Commodores Sloat and 
Stockton, the occupation of New Mexico by General Kear- 
ney, and the surrender of Tampico, Frontiera, and Tabasco 
to Commodore Connor. Colonel Doniphan left Santa Fe 
for Chihuahua with eight hundred men. On his way he 
was attacked by a Mexican force at Bracito. A well-directed 
fire from the Americans put the enemy to flight, and Doni- 
phan pursued his long and wearisome journey, which ended 
by the capture of Chihuahua. 

15. General Taylor remained at Monterey for 
several months after its capture. During this time 



folk's administration. 201 

General Scott had been sent to Mexico, where he 

184:7. . \ . 

arrived about the 1st of January, and was joined by 
Generals Pillow, Twiggs, Quitman, and Worth, with detach- 
ments from General Taylor's array, for the proposed attack on 
Vera Cruz. General Santa Anna, with an army of twenty- 
two thousand men, was at San Luis Potosi, and it was 
supposed from- his movements he intended to advance with 
his whole army. General Taylor resolved to give him 
battle. For this purpose, leaving fifteen hundred men at 
Monterey, he marched to Saltillo, and on the 4th of February 
encamped at Agua Nueva, where he remained until the 21st. 
Learning that Santa Anna was advancing against him, he 
withdrew to a strong mountain pass called Buena Vista, 
where, having formed his army in battle array, he awaited 
the approach of the enemy. A sunimons to surrender was 
despatched to General Taylor, granting him an hour's time 
for consideration. General Taylor promptly declined ac- 
ceding to the summons, and the following morning the 
battle commenced by an attack on the part of the Mexicans. 
The battle continued through the entire day, and though 
the enemy gained partial successes from their overwhelming 
numbers, they were finally repulsed, and left the field. 
This victory ended the war in the northern part of Mexico. 
16. General Scott effected a landing with his army near 
Vera Cruz, on the 9th of March. The city was invested, 
batteries erected, and, on the 22d, General Scott summoned 
the governor to surrender. The proposition was rejected, 
and the batteries opened a deadly and destructive fire, 
which continued without intermission until the 26th, when 
the Mexican general made proposals to surrender. Articles 
of capitulation were signed on the following day, and the 
city of Vera Cruz, as well as the strong castle of San Juan 
d'Ulloa, were taken possession of by the American forces. 



202 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

17. Soon after the capture of Vera Cruz, 
Lieutenant Hunter captured Alvarado, on the 
Gulf of Mexico, and in April Commodore Perry gained 
possession of Tuspan. General Worth being temporarily 
appointed governor of Vera Cruz, the army on the 8th of 
April commenced its march towards the city of Mexico. 
General Santa Anna, defeated at Buena Vista, had now 
fortified the heights of Cerro Gordo, and, at the head 
of fifteen thousand men, looked down on the advancing 
Americans. 

18. General Scott, who knew that an attack in front 
would be useless, ordered a road to be cut to the left of the 
heights ascending in the rear of the Mexican forts. In the 
night heavy cannon were taken to the heights, and opened 
a destructive fire on the enemy on the morning of the 18th. 
The strong fortress of Cerro Gordo was taken by storm, and 
the Mexicans were totally routed. Santa Anna escaped 
and reached Jalapa, closely pursued by the victorious army. 

19. The following day the Americans entered the town 
of Jalapa, and on the 22d they took the fortress of Perote. 
On the 15th of May, La Puebla* was in the occupancy of 
the American army, and became their head-quarters until 
the following August. AVar and disease had thinned their 
ranks, and it was necessary that the soldiers should have a 
season of rest after their severe labors. Reinforcements 
also were requisite to enable them to complete the work of 
conquest. The government had in the mean time sent an 
agent (Mr. Trist) to make overtures of peace to the Mexican 
government. 

20. General Scott, being reinforced by fresh troops sent 
by way of Vera Cruz, left Puebla early in August on his 

* Puebla de los Angelos, "City of the Angels." 



folk's administration. 203 

march towards the capital. The route led the army 
across the Cordilleras, from whose lofty heights 
they looked down on the vast plain of Mexico. No enemy 
opposed their march until the 19th, when they arrived in 
front of the strong fortress of St. Antonio, with the heights 
of Churubusco on" the right, covered with cannon, and close 
by the fortified camp of Contreras. 

21. Early on the morning of the 20th, General Smith* 
marched to the attack on Contreras. General Valencia was 
at the head of six thousand Mexicans, and General Santa 
Anna stood ready to support him with a powerful force. 
When the arrangements of the Americans were completed, 
they made an impetuous attack, dashed into the intrench- 
ments, and drove out the enemy, in the short space of 
seventeen minutes. St. Antonio was evacuated shortly 
after this battle. 

22. Churubusco was the next point of attack. This 
consisted of a strong breastwork at the head of a bridge, 
a church strongly fortified, strong military outworks, and a 
powerful army, commanded personally by Santa Anna. 
The battle commenced early in the afternoon, and continued 
with unabated fury for three hours, when Santa Anna 
abandoned the field, and with his army fled to the capital. 

23. The day succeeding these fiercely-contended battles, 
propositions were made by Santa Anna for an armistice. 
This was mutually agreed upon, but its provisions were 
shamefully violated by the Mexican general. On the 7th 
of September, General Scott declared the armistice to be at 
an end, and hostilities again commenced. On the 8th, an 
attack was made by General Worth on El Molinos del 
Key (the King's Mills). The troops were at first repulsed, 

■'^ Genei-al Persifer F. Smith, of Louisiana. 



204 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

but returning to the charge they fought despe- 
rately for an hour, when the Mexicans were totally 
routed. 

24. On the 12th, Chapultepee was attacked by a heavy 
cannonade and bombardment. On the 13th, the besiegers 
commenced a furious asssault, which resulted in the capture 
of the castle, and the pursuit of the flying enemy to the 
very gates of Mexico. Santa Anna and the officers of 
government fled that night, and the next day (Septem- 
ber 14th) General Scott directed Generals Worth and 
Quitman to enter the city, and plant the American flag 




GENERAL SCOTT'S ENTRY INTO MEXICO. 



on the summit of the National Palace. General Scott then 
with the main body of the army made his triumphal but 
peaceful entry into the heart of that capital so renowned in 
American, Spanish, and Mexican history, 

25. The occupation of the capital, and the flight of Santa 
Anna, put an end to the Mexican War; for although some 



polk's administration. 205 

unimportant skirmislies occurred soon after, and 
an insurrection broke out in tlie city, tlie Mexicans 
were not able to oppose an effectual resistance to the vic- 
torious Americans. On the 2d of February, 1848, 
a treaty of peace was signed by Mr. Trist, on the 
part of the United States, and commissioners appointed by 
the Mexican Congress. This treaty, with some modifica- 
tions, was adopted by both governments, and on the 19th 
of June the proclamation of the President announced that 
peace existed between Mexico and the United States. 

26. By this treaty, New Mexico and California were 
transferred to the United States. All captured posts were 
to be given up, and fifteen millions of dollars were to be 
paid to the Mexican government for the ceded territory. 
On the 12th of June, our army left the city of Mexico, 
and soon after, all the posts which had been held by the 
American soldiery were evacuated. The discovery of gold 
in California led to an immense emigration to that distant 
region and its settlement as a territory by adventurers from 
the Atlantic and Western States. John Quincy Adams 
was stricken down with illness in the House of Representa- 
tives, and died the following day. 

27. During the session of Congress, Wisconsin was ad- 
mitted as a state into the Union (May 29th), being the 
thirtieth in number. Wisconsin was first settled by the 
French at Green Bay in 1690. Oregon and Minnesota 
were erected into territorial governments soon after the 
admission of Wisconsin. The presidential election held 
this year resulted in the election of Zachary Taylor for 
President. Millard Fillmore was elected Vice-President, 
and Mr. Polk's administration terminated on the 3d of 

March, 1849. He retired to his residence, where 

1849. ' 

he died on the 15 th of June. 
18 ^ 



206 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

Questions on Jah.es K. PoWs Administration. — 1. Who had been 
elected President and Vice-President ? What is said of Texas ? What 
did Mexico threaten? Where was General Taylor sent? Commodore 
Stockton ? In what year and where did General Jackson die ? 

2. When was Texas admitted as a state ? By what nations had 
Texas been claimed ? When and by whom was Texas first settled ? 
Where and by whom was a settlement made in 1690 ? 

3. Give an account of the settlement of Texas by citizens of the 
United States. Battle of San Jacinto. 

4. Give a further account of the history of Texas. 

5. What was done by Congress in 1846? How far to the north 
did the President claim Oregon ? How far south was it claimed 
by the British ? How was it settled by the commissioners ? 

6. When was Iowa admitted? When and by whom was the 
country first visited ? When, where, and by whom was the first 
settlement made ? 

7. What movement was made by General Taylor in March ? 
What place had been previously fortified ? What did the Mexican 
troops do ? Give the particulars. 

8. What did General Taylor now do ? In whose charge did he 
leave the fort ? AVhat was done by the Mexicans at Matamoras ? 
Who was killed in this engagement ? 

9. On General Taylor's return from Point Isabel, where was a 
Mexican force drawn up to oppose him ? What was the number of 
the respective armies? Describe the battle, and the American loss. 

10. What did General Arista do after the battle ? Describe the 
battle of Resaca de la Palma. Who was captured ? What is said 
of the Mexican line ? 

11. What communication did the President make to Congress? 
What did Congress do ? What did General Taylor do after the 
battle of Resaca de la Palma ? What Mexican towns surrendered ? 

12. What did General Taylor do in September? How was 
Monterey defended ? 

13. What was General Worth directed to do ? Who attacked 
the opposite side of the city? What did General Ampudia then 
propose ? What did this battle put an end to ? 

14. By whom was California captured? New Mexico ? What 
places were taken by Commodore Connor? Describe the expe- 
dition of Colonel Doniphan. 



POLKAS ADMINISTRATION. 207 

15. When did Genei-al Scott arrive in Mexico ? By whom was 
he joined? Where was General Santa Anna ? What did General 
Taylor now do ? At what place did he await the enemy ? Describe 
the battle of Buena Vista. What did this victory put an end to ? 

16. When did Genei'al Scott land near Vera Cruz? When did 
the attack on the city commence ? What proposal was made by 
the Mexican general ? What was surrendered ? 

17. What ports were captured by Lieutenant Hunter? By 
Commodore Perry? When did the army march towards the city 
of Mexico ? What did General Santa Anna do ? 

18. What was ordered by General Scott? What was done in 
the night? On the 18th of Api-il? Give the result of the battle 
of Cerro Gordo, To what place did Santa Anna escape ? 

19. What did the Americans do on the 19th? On the 22d? 
What became the head-quarters of the army ? Who had been sent 
by the government to make overtures of peace ? 

20. When did General Scott leave Puebla ? Describe the route. 
Near to what fortified places did the army arrive on the 19th of 
August ? 

21. Describe the attack on Contreras. Name the generals en- 
gaged. What is said of St. Antonio ? 

22. Of what did Churubusco consist ? Name the other defences. 
Describe the battle. What is said of Santa Anna ? 

23. What was agreed upon the day after the battle ? What was 
declared by General Scott on the 7th of September ? What took 
place on the 8th ? Describe the battle. 

24. What place was attacked on the 12th? Describe the battle 
of Chapultepec. What was done by Santa Anna and the officers 
of government ? Who were sent by General Scott to take possession 
of the city? What did General Scott do on the 15th of September? 

25. When was a treaty of peace signed by commissioners ? 
When was peace proclaimed ? 

26. State the conditions of the treaty. When did the American 
army leave Mexico ? What led to the settlement of California ? 

27. When was Wisconsin admitted as a state ? When and by 
whom was Wisconsin settled ? What wore erected into territorial 
governments ? Who were elected President and Vice-President ? 
When did Mr. Polk's administration terminate ? When did he die ? 



208 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



TAYLOR'S AND FILLMORE'S ADMINISTRATIONS. 

1. On the 5tli of Marcli, President Taylor entered 
on the duties of his office. The absorbing topic 
which occupied the attention of citizens at the time was the 
gold found in immense quantities in California, and a con- 
tinued tide of emigration was pouring to the golden region. 
A convention of delegates assembled at Monterey on the 
1st of September, and adopted a state constitution, which 
excluded slavery. This constitution was laid before 

1850. . "^ 

Congress at its next session, and produced great 
excitement in the discussions which followed. The article 
relating to slavery engendered the strongest sectional feel- 
ings, and many predicted the dissolution of the Union. 

2. In the midst of the tumult Mr. Clay, the distinguished 
Senator from Kentucky, suggested a plan of compromise. 
The whole matter was referred to a committee who reported 
a bill containing a number of provisions. It was discussed 
for four months in Congress, and its respective measures 
separately considered and adopted. The measures recom- 
mended were, 1st. That California should be admitted into 
the Union as a free state, having its territorial extent from 
Oregon to the Mexican possessions; 2d. That the country 
east of California, containing the Mormon settlements near 
the Great Salt Lake, should be erected into a territory called 
Utah, without mention of slavery; 3d. That New Mexico 
should be erected into a territory without any stipulations 
respecting slavery^ and that ten millions of dollars sjiould 
be paid to Texas from the Federal treasury, in purchase of 
her claims ; 4th. That the slave trade in the District of 
Columbia should be abolished ; 5th. That an efficient law 



Fillmore's administration. 



209 



should be passed for the arrest and return of fugi- 

1850. , ^ 

tive slaves. 
3. While these measures were under discussion, a deep 
and sorrowful sensation was produced throughout the nation 
by the death of the President, after a short illness. His 
death took place on the 9th of July, and, agreeably to the 
Constitution, Millard Fillmore took the oath of office on the 
day following, and became President of the United States. 
The compromise measures, which had been so long under 
discussion, were adopted; among which was the admission 
of California as the thirty-first state of the Union. Its 
settlement and growth had been rapid beyond a precedent, 
and it gives to the Union an empire on the shores of the 
Pacific. California was first settled at Los Angelos, by the 
Spaniards, in 1769. 

4. In the autumn of 1851 twenty-one millions of 
*^^** acres were purchased by the United States govern- 
ment from the Indian tribes of Minnesota. Another tract 
was soon after purchased from the Snow Sioux, and the pay- 
ments for Indian lands amounted to three millions of dol- 
lars. Much interest was manifested by the visit of Lewis 
Kossuth, the exiled governor of Hungary. He arrived in 
New York on the 4th of December, and was received with 
the highest marks of respect by the public authorities of 
all our principal cities. He wished to enlist the aid and 
sympathy of our government for his downtrodden country, 
but the policy always pursued here forbade any interference 
in the public affairs of foreign nations. Kossuth, however, 
received the warmest sympathy of all classes, and he received 
material aid from private contributions. 

5. Two distinguished statesmen and eloquent 
*®^^' orators died in the year 1852. One was Henry 
Clay, who had been for more than fifty years in public life, 
18* 



210 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

and, at the time of his decease, represented the state 
of Kentucky in the United States Senate. The 
other death which the nation mourned was that of Daniel 
Webster, the Secretary of State, and who, Hke Mr. Clay, 
had always eloquently advocated and upheld the honor and 
interests of his country. 

6. After the settlements on the Pacific coast had assumed 
great national importance, the government felt the necessity 
of commercial intercourse with Japan, and fitted out an 
expedition under command of Commodore M. C. Perry, for 
the purpose of soliciting from the Emperor of Japan the 
negotiation of a treaty of commerce and friendship between 
the two nations. The mission was successful, and the most 
friendly feelings exist between the two governments. At 
the presidential election held this year, Franklin Pierce, 
of New Hampshire, was elected President, and William 
R. King, of Alabama, Vice-President. A new 
territory, called Washington, taken from Oregon, 
was formed, and the bill became a law on the 2d of March, 
the close of Mr. Fillmore's administration. 

Questions on Taylor'' s and Fillmore! s Administrations. — 1. What is 
said of the constitution of the state of California? Of the article 
excluding slavery ? 

2. What did Mr. Clay do ? What were the stipulations of the 
compromise act ? 

3. AVhat sorrowful event took place ? When did the President 
die, and who succeeded him ? What is said of the admission of 
California ? When and by whom was it first settled ? 

4. What purchases were made by government? 

5. What is said of Henry Clay ? Daniel Webster ? 

6. For what purpose was an expedition sent to Japan ? What 
is said of the mission and its result ? Who were elected President 
and Vice-President ? What new territory was formed ? 



Pierce's administration. 211 



FRANKLIN PIERCE'S ADMINISTRATION. 

1. President Pierce took the oath of office on the 
4th of March, 1853, and entered on the duties of 
President. Mr. King never took his seat as Vice-President. 
His ill health led him to seek the warmer climate of Cuba, 
where he spent the winter. He died April 18th, soon after 
his return to his residence in Alabama. 

2. Some dispute occurred between rival claimants for the 
Mesilla Valley. It was claimed by New jMexico as consti- 
tuting a part of its southern boundary, and it was also 
claimed by the Mexican government as part of the state of 
Chihuahua. The governor of the latter state took military 
possession of the disputed territory, and it .was feared a col- 
lision would take place between the two governments. But 
the difficulty was adjusted by a treaty, by which the Mesilla 
Valley and the tract of country now constituting the terri- 
tory of Arizona was conveyed to the United States. By 
this treaty the United States agreed to pay to Mexico the 
sum of twenty millions of dollars. 

3. In January a bill was introduced into Con- 
gress proposing to erect the immense region west 
of the Missouri, to the Rocky Mountains, into two districts, 
to be called Nebraska and Kansas, and repealing the Mis- 
souri Compromise, giving to the people of each territory the 
right to be admitted into the Union either as free or slave 
states. The discussion of this bill led to intense excitement, 
but it finally passed both houses and became a law. 

4. At this time war wa^ waged against Russia by Great 
Britain, Fnince, and Turkey, and an incident occurred 
which threatened for a time the interruption of the ami- 



212 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

cable relations whicli existed between England and 
America. It was evident tbat enlistments of men 
to aid the British in the war in the Crimea were made by 
the sanction of Mr. Crampton, the British minister. The 
government requested that Mr. Crampton might be recalled, 
but several months having elapsed before the demand was 
complied with, the President dismissed the minister and 
the consuls at New York, Philadelphia, and Cincinnati. 

6. The repeal of the Missouri Compromise opened 
the territory of the United States to settlers from 
all sections of the Union. An immense number of avowed 
anti-slavery persons at once rushed to Kansas, and founded 
a number of towns. The pro-slavery men also went in 
large numbers from Missouri, and a reign of terror and 
civil war raged for more than a year in that ill-fated terri- 
tory. The events have been of such recent occurrence, and 
the statements so varying and contradictory, it is not pos- 
sible, at this time, to write a true and impartial history 
which shall render justice to the contestants for rule in 
Kansas. 

6. The presidential campaign excited much in- 

1856. 

terest throughout the country. Three candidates 
were nominated : — Millard Fillmore by the American party, 
James Buchanan by the Democratic party, and John C. 
Fremont by the Republicans. The electoral election was 
held November 4th, and resulted in the choice of James 
Buchanan, of Pennsylvania, for President, and John C. 
Breckenridge, of Kentucky, for Vice-President. 

Questions on Franklin Fierce' s Administration. — 1. What is said 
of Mr. King, the Vice-President ? 

2. Who were claimants of the Mesilla Valley ? How was the 
difficulty settled ? What did the United States agree to pay to 
Mexico ? 



Buchanan's administration. 213 

3. What did the bill introduced into Congress propose to do ? 
"What did it repeal? "What is said of the discussion of this bill? 

4. By whose sanction were enlistments for the British army 
made? "What diplomatic agents were dismissed in consequence? 

5. To what territory was there a rush of settlers? "What pre- 
vailed in Kansas ? 

G. What three candidates were nominated for the Presidency ? 
"Who was elected ? Who was elected Vice-President ? 



JAMES BUCHxVNAN'S ADMINISTRATION. 

1. Mr. Buchanan took the oath of office and 

185T. 

entered on its duties on the 4th of March, 1857, 
and Mr. Breckenridge also took his seat as President of the 
Senate, For some time a threatening state of affairs existed 
in Utah. The Mormons, who were the settlers of that 
territory, refused obedience to the laws of the United States, 
or to submit to any authority other than that derived from 
Brigham Young, the head of the Mormon church, and the 
acting governor of the territory. By order of the President, 
Colonel Cummings, of Missouri, was appointed governor, 
and a strong body of troops were sent to enforce his autho- 
rity, and suppress rebellion. 

2. After a toilsome march, the troops reached Salt Lake 

City. No opposition was offered to the entrance 
of the troops, but many of the inhabitants left their 
homes, and moved to the southern portion of the territory. 
Commissioners were sent by the Federal government to 
induce the Mormons to return, promising the withdrawal 
of the troops. These terms were acceded to, and the diffi- 
culty terminated. 

3. The President recommended to Congress the admission 



214 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

of Kansas as a state into the Union, and assent to 

1858. . . ' . 

the constitution adopted at Lecompton. This was 
strongly objected to, on the ground that the constitution 
had never been submitted to a popular vote, and that it 
was at variance with the wishes of the majority. In the 
Senate a small majority voted in favor of the bill, but it 
was rejected in the House. A substitute was adopted, to 
which the Senate refused its assent. A committee of 
conference was then appointed by both houses, and a bill 
reported by them was passed by both branches of Congress, 
and approved by the President, but rejected by the people 
of Kansas, at an election held in the territory. 

4. During this session of Congress, Minnesota was ad- 
mitted into the Union. The growth and settlement of this 
new state has been very rapid, having till recently been a 
hunting-ground for the Indian, and a habitation for the 
wild beast of the forest. It was first settled at St. Paul, in 
1846, by emigrants from the Eastern States. 

5. The most important act passed by Congress 
at the present session, was the admission of Oregon 
into the Union. The bill for its admission had been passed 
by the Senate at its last session, but was not acted on by the 
House until the 12th of February. Oregon was first settled 
at Astoria, in 1811, by emigrants from the Eastern States. 

6. The debates consequent on the Kansas bill eiFected a 
division among the members of Congress. One portion 
opposed the admission of Kansas under the Lecompton 
Constitution, because of its slavery proclivities, and because 
the will of the people had not been tested with regard to 
their wishes on the subject. The others considered that 
injustice had been done to the South by the rej-ection of 
slavery, as introduced by actual settlers, and their votes 
were for the Lecompton Constitution. 



Buchanan's administration. 215 

7. One of the most prominent events of 1860 
was the official visit of the Japanese ambassadors.. 
They arrived at San Francisco, and thence proceeded to 
Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York, from 
whence they embarked for Japan, highly gratified by their 
visit to the United States. Another pleasing event arose 
from a visit paid by the Prince of Wales, who made quite 
an extensive journey through Canada and several states 
of the Union. In every part of the United States which 
he visited he was received with respect, and much attention 
was paid him by the corporate bodies of our principal cities. 

8. Four candidates were nominated for the Presidency, 
viz. : Stephen A. Douglas, of Illinois ; Abraham Lincoln, 
of Illinois ; John C. Breckenridge, of Kentucky; and John 
Bell, of Tennessee. A very exciting campaign followed the 
nominations, and great anxiety was manifested in the result. 
By the returns, Mr. Lincoln was elected President, and 
Hannibal Hamlin, of Maine, Vice-President. Some of the 
leading politicians in the Southern States denounced the 
election as sectional, and hostile to the rights of the South, 
and threatened to withdraw from the Union. 

9. This threat was first carried into efi"ect by South 
Carolina. On the 20th of December, that state, by an act 
adopted in convention, seceded from the government of the 
United States, declared her own state sovereignty, hoisted 
the palmetto flag, and assumed an attitude of hostility to 
the general government. By this measure she dishonored 
the " Flag of the Union,'' the " Stars and Stripes," which 
once waved over her battle-fields of Eutaw Springs, Cowpens, 
Hobkirk's Hill, Charleston, and Sullivan's Island. 

10. At the time that South Carolina set the example of 
secession. Fort Moultrie, in Charleston Harbor, was garri- 
soned by Major Robert Anderson and a small body of troops 



216 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

Convinced that lie could not defend tliis post, lie 
withdrew his forces to Fort Sumter, spiking the 
guns and burning the gun-carriages of the deserted fort. 
Soon after the evacuation of Fort Moultrie, it was taken 
possession of by the troops of South Carolina, as also Castle 
Pinckney. General Cass, Secretary of State, had urged 
the necessity of sending troops to keep possession of the 
forts in the seceding state. This the President refused to 
do, in consequence of which General Cass resigned his 
position, and retired from the cares of government. 

11. Mr. Cobb, Secretary of the Treasury, and 
Mr. Floyd, Secretary of War, resigned their offices 
from sympathy with the secessionists. Postmaster-General 
Holt, of Kentucky, was appointed acting Secretary of War, 
and Mr. Dix, of New York, Secretary of the Treasury, 
which departments they filled with marked ability during 
the remaining part of Mr. Buchanan's administration. 

12. The month of January was distinguished for a series 
of aggressive acts against the general government. In 
Georgia, Forts Pulaski and Jackson were seized by order 
of the state authorities. The United States revenue cutter 
at Savannah was fired into and captured, and the Arsenal 
at Augusta seized by the state troops. In North Carolina, 
Fort Macon, the forts at Wilmington, and the United States 
Arsenal at Fayetteville, were seized by the state troops. 
In Alabama, the United States Arsenal at Mobile was 
taken, also Fort Morgan, at the mouth of Mobile Bay. 
South Carolina seized the United States Arsenal, Custom- 
House, and Post-Office in Charleston, erected new fortifica- 
tions on Sullivan's and Johnson's Islands, and besieged 
Major Anderson and his garrison in Fort Sumter. 

13. Conventions were in session in several of the discon- 
tented states of the Union, which by their respective acts 



Buchanan's administration. 217 

proclaimed that the states they represented no 
longer owed allegiance to the United States govern- 
ment, and declared their secession from it. Mississippi 
seceded on the 9th of January, Florida and Alabama on the 
11th, Georgia on the 19th, and Louisiana on the 26th. 
The steamer " Star of the West/' sent to carry troops and 
provisions to Fort Sumter, was fired on by the secessionists 
in the harbor of Charkston, and obliged to return without 
effecting her mission. 

14. Mr. Thompson, of Mississippi, Secretary of the In- 
terior, resigned his position in the cabinet, dissatisfied at 
the determination of the President to maintain the rights 
of the government. The aggressions on the Federal go- 
vernment were still continued. In New Orleans, the United 
States Mint and Custom-House, and Marine Hospital, were 
seized by the state authorities. In Florida, Fort Barrancas 
and the Pensacola Navy Yard were seized. Lieutenant 
Slemmer, in command, withdrew to Fort Pickens, which 
he held against the forces of the enemy. 

15. On the 29th of January, Kansas was admitted into 
the Union as the thirty-fourth state. Its constitution pro- 
hibits slavery. This state was formed out of the country 
formerly known as the Indian Territory, and was settled by 
emigrants from other sections, principally, however, from 
New England. It was long the arena of factious strife 
between the advocates of slavery and its oppose rs. The 
latter, however, outnumbered the former, and, after much 
delay and opposition, succeeded in having their constitution 
concurred in by Congress, and their territory erected into a 
sovereign state. 

16. Commissioners from South Carolina asked of the 
President the withdrawal of government troops from the 
state, and the surrender of the forts, to which measures he 

19 



218 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

refused to accede. Early in February, a conference 
was held in Washington, in which eleven states 
were represented. The object of this assembly Avas to 
devise means to preserve peace, bring back the seceding 
states to their allegiance, ask Congress and the state govern- 
ments to repeal obnoxious laws, and to recommend and 
adopt measures conducive to harmony. But the intentions 
of this peace conference entirely failed, and they could 
agree on no acceptable course of measures to arrest the 
career of secession and dismemberment. 

17. A convention of the six seceding states was held at 
Montgomery, Alabama. Three delegates were also present 
from North Carolina. This convention adopted a provisional 
government, and elected Jeiferson Davis, of Mississippi, 
President, and Alexander H. Stephens, of Georgia, Vice- 
President. General Twiggs, commander of the United 
States forces in Texas, surrendered all the forts in that 
state to the secessionists, and directed the withdrawal of the 
troops. 

18. During this session of Congress, Dacotah, Nevada, 
and Colorado were organized as territories, destined in 
future time to take their places as states in the Federal 
Union. On the 11th of February, Abraham Lincoln, 
President elect, left his home at Springfield, Illinois, for 
the seat of government, where he arrived on the 23d. In 
the cities and towns through which he passed, he was 
received with the warmest expressions of respect and en- 
thusiasm. Mr. Buchanan remained in Washington until 
after the inauguration of his successor, when he retired to 
private life. 

19. The administration now about entering on the 
threshold of its duties has much to encounter. Whether 
it will be able to stem the tide of secession, which, by its 



Buchanan's administration. 219 

encroaching waves, threatens to sweep away our 
ancient landmarks, it is not our province to conjec- 
ture or predict. It will have to encounter rebellion, treason, 
civil war, the prostration of commerce, the failure of reve- 
nue, and an increasing public debt. Instead of thirty-four 
states, united by common ties, it will behold a formidable 
array of declared enemies, who have rudely severed the 
bond of union framed by the wisdom of their fathers. It 
will be incumbent on the administration now assuming the 
reins of government, '' to see that the laws be faithfully 
executed," and it will be bound by a solemn obligation to 
suppress rebellion at any sacrifice, except the surrender 
of honor and principle. 

Questions on James Buchanan^ s Administration. — 1. What is said 
of the Mormons in Utah ? Who was appointed governor by the 
President ? Who were sent to Utah ? 

2. What did the inhabitants of Salt Lake City do ? What did 
the government promise to do ? 

3. What did the President recommend to Congress ? On what 
ground was the admission of Kansas objected to? Was the bill 
passed ? What is said of a subsequent bill ? 

4. When was Minnesota admitted into the Union ? What is 
said of the growth and settlement of this new state ? When, 
where, and by whom was it first settled ? 

5. When was Oregon admitted ? When and where was it first 
settled ? 

6. Why was the Lecompton Constitution opposed ? Why was it 
advocated ? 

7. What cities were visited by the Japanese ambassadors? 
What other distinguished person visited the United States in 
1860? 

8. Name the candidates nominated for the Presidency. Who 
were elected President and Vice-President ? 

9. What state seceded from the Union ? 

10. Where is Fort Moultrie ? By whom was it garrisoned ? To 



220 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

what other fort did the commander withdraw his forces ? What 
had Goieral Cass urged the President to do ? 

11. What cabinet officers resigned, and why? Who succeeded 
them? 

12. What government property was seized in Georgia? In 
North Carolina ? In Alabama ? What was done by South 
Carolina ? 

13. What states seceded in January ? What is said of the Star 
of the West ? 

14. Who resigned his situation in the cabinet, and why ? 
What seizures of government property were made in Louisiana ? 
In Florida ? What is said of Lieutenant Slemmer ? 

15. What is said of the admission of Kansas? 

16. What was asked by the commissioners from South Carolina ? 

17. Where was the convention of the seceding states held? 
What states were represented ? Who was elected President and 
Vice-President ? What was done by General Twiggs ? 

18. What territories were organized? What is said of Mr. 
Lincoln? How was he received by the people? What is said 
of Mr. Buchanan ? 

19. What will the new administration have to encounter ? 



THE END. 



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